Leeds rugby director Andy Key believes his side's 15-9 victory over Wasps was overdue reward for their improvement this season.

The Yorkshire side earned a first Guinness Premiership win since beating Newcastle in March 2008 thanks to five penalties from fly-half Ceiron Thomas.

"It was not the prettiest performance, but we gnarled it out and the players are delighted. We never stopped believing after a number of close calls this season," said Key.

"We should have won at Saracens last week but had a good try disallowed, for which we have received an apology.

"The most important Premiership game for us, however, is the next one. We are a team who are developing and growing."

Wasps coach Shaun Edwards admitted afterwards: "You do need to give Leeds credit. They have been close to winning a number of times this season and unfortunately for us, they won here.

"Our set-piece was disappointing, particularly as we trained really well all week. Yes, we are a dry-weather team, but we are into the depths of winter now so we have to adapt.

"Leeds were never going to score a try against us, but we did not handle the conditions as well as our opponents."