A huge win for St Helens.
Hull KR prevailed in a gruelling battle with St Helens to move one step closer to a domestic double. Four Rhyse Martin penalty goals and a Joe Burgess try saw them triumph 12-8 in one of the most physically demanding games Craven Park has seen for a long time.
In front of Craven Park’s biggest crowd since 1984, Rovers slogged it out through the middle against a ferocious Saints pack, with neither side willing to back down. Ultimately, Rovers were just that bit better, and it ensured they got the two league points.
Willie Peters opted for Bill Leyland to replace Sauaso Sue in the matchday squad, in what was his only change to the side that lost to Leeds Rhinos last week.
St Helens, without their two wingers through injury, struggled to make metres early in the game and the Robins were winning the territorial battle. But that changed on seven minutes when Rhyse Martin caught Morgan Knowles high. The tackle saw Martin yellow carded while Knowles would fail his head injury assessment, ruling him out for the remainder of the game.
With a man advantage, Saints didn’t really threaten other than one kick that was allowed to bounce by the sticks, which George Delaney gathered but couldn’t get over the line.
Rovers were temporarily down to eleven men when Mikey Lewis was shown a green card after requiring treatment and while Saints did create openings on the flanks, Rovers stifled them well.
It was then Saints’ turn to go down a man as Delaney was yellow carded for a high shot on Eribe Doro. But like the Robins, the visitors found a way to keep them out, with Jonny Lomax outstandingly denying Martin when he looked certain to score, but somehow held him up. James Batchelor also had a try ruled out for a knock on.
Eventually, the Robins would go ahead, albeit in controversial circumstances. They launched a captain’s challenge after a coming together between Joe Batchelor and Mikey Lewis and it was given as a late tackle. It was harsh, but Rovers didn’t mind, Martin slotted the conversion for a 2-0 lead.
That said, the advantage was gone before the break as the last action of the half saw Saints level with a penalty goal of their own after Arthur Mourgue stole the ball from Daryl Clark after a break from the Saints hooker. Mark Percival converted to make it 2-2 at the break.
It had been quite the battle to this point. Both teams hadn’t given an inch through the middle and were confident of making the other crack.
In the end, Rovers’ confidence proved to be well-earned. The second half, particularly the early parts, had a similar theme. But Rovers would continue to win the territory and ultimately, the penalties.
Lewis was taken off the ball after a chip and chase which gave Martin a chance to take two points, he obliged. Ten minutes later, the back-rower added another kick after a Lewis break and subsequent ball steal. That made it 8-2 after 55 minutes.
But the real blow was dealt on 62 minutes. Again, it was Lewis, a delightful 40/20 that trickled over the line. A few plays later, May find Lewis, he threw a bullet ball to Burgess, he dived over. Ruthless, clinical, fantastic. That was the game. Rovers were 12-2 ahead.
Saints huffed and puffed but Rovers had them locked down, that was until the final four minutes. Saints ensured there would be a nervy finish as Deon Cross grounded George Whitby’s kick. Percival’s conversion brought the game to within four points.
But the Robins held out, ultimately ensuring they moved one step closer to the League Leaders’ Shield.
Hull KR : Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Jai Whitbread, James Batchelor, Rhyse Martin, Elliot Minchella. Subs: Sam Luckley, Kelepi Tanginoa, Bill Leyland, Eribe Doro.
Tries : Burgess (64)
Goals : Martin 4/5
St Helens : Jack Welsby, Tristan Sailor, Harry Robertson, Mark Percival, Deon Cross, Moses Mbye, Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Matty Less, Curtis Sironen, Matt Whitley, Morgan Knowles. Subs: Joe Batchelor, George Whitby, Jake Burns, Agnatius Paasi.
Tries : Cross (76)
Goals : Percival 2/2