LONDON (AP) — Leeds Rhinos won English rugby league's Challenge Cup for the 14th time by beating Salford Red Devils 17-16 thanks to a drop goal five minutes from time at a deserted Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

It was a poignant victory for Leeds, whose former player Rob Burrow was an absent “chief guest” for the match after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease two years after ending his illustrious playing career in 2017.

Leeds captain Luke Gale came up with the winning point as his team recovered from Salford edging in front for the first time after 57 minutes. Rhinos winger Ash Handley scored his second try of the match to level the scores before Gale's drop goal.

Salford was seeking its first Challenge Cup title since 1938.

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