Brian McDermott has said that Leeds Rhinos' "cracking start" set up their win over St Helens in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.
The Rhinos, who are the current cup holders, progressed to the final for a fifth time in six seasons with a 24-14 victory.
The head coach told BBC Sport: "That was a tough game. We had a cracking start and got hold of the game.
"There were some really shaky and scary moments in the second half, Saints threw everything at us, and it was a real contest. I think the good start got us the game."
Leeds will face either Warrington Wolves or Hull Kingston Rovers in the final at Wembley next month.
