Challenge Cup title holders Hull KR are now 80 minutes away from a return to Wembley.
Mikey Lewis scores a magical try against York Knights in the Challenge Cup.
Hull KR avenged their shock opening-night Super League defeat and booked their place in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup with a commanding 48-10 victory over York Knights.
The Robins’ title defence rolls on, leaving them just 80 minutes away from a return to Wembley following a strong eight-try display at Sewell Group Craven Park. Mikey Lewis produced the moment of the match with a stunning solo effort in the second half, while half-back partner Tyrone May crossed for a hat-trick in the victory.
Hull KR had been stunned 19-18 by the Super League newcomers in February, but there was no repeat this time as they delivered a composed performance on home soil in the quarter-final.
Head coach Willie Peters was without captain Elliot Minchella due to a hamstring injury, with Dean Hadley stepping in at loose forward. York boss Mark Applegarth, meanwhile, was limited to naming just a 19-man squad and was missing five players who featured in that historic opening-night win at the LNER Community Stadium.
The Robins made a blistering start, opening the scoring after just two minutes as May finished off a slick team move. Sauaso Sue extended the lead six minutes later, powering over under the posts from a clever, disguised pass by Jez Litten.
It appeared the BBC-televised tie could turn into a one-sided contest, but York showed resilience to respond. Former Sydney Roosters forward Xavier Va’a crashed over with a powerful effort to cut the deficit to 10-6.
Hull KR quickly regained control however, with Jack Broadbent finishing off a move involving Lewis, May and back-rower James Batchelor. The game then settled into a more measured rhythm, with the next score arriving just before the break. Jai Whitbread made an instant impact off the bench, and his efforts were rewarded with a four-pointer to give the hosts a 24-6 half-time advantage.
24 more points followed in the second half, with Lewis’ moment of brilliance continuing the scoring. The England international spotted no full-back at home, chipping ahead for himself and touching down just before the dead-ball line.
May then completed his hat-trick – first with a solo effort attacking the line, and later by supporting Broadbent to finish off another sweeping move. York grabbed a consolation through loanee Myles Harrison of Newcastle Thunder in between, but it did little to knock Hull KR’s dominance.
The title-holders had the last say, when Joe Burgess finished superbly in the corner on the full-time hooter for a 48-10 result and booking their spot in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Hull KR: Jack Broadbent, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Tom Amone, Rhyse Martin, James Batchelor, Dean Hadley.
Bench: Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Jack Brown, Karl Lawton.
Tries: May (2’, 63’, 67’), Sue (8’), Broadbent (14’), Whitbread (34’), Lewis (50’), Burgess (80′)
Goals: Martin 4/5, Lewis 3/3, Litten 1/1
Bench: Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Jack Brown, Dean Hadley.
York Knights: Nikau Williams, Miles Harrison, Joe Law, Kieran Buchanan, Scott Galeano, Ata Hingano, Paul McShane, Xavier Va’a, Devine Balmforth, Paul Vaughan, Oli Field, Jesse Dee, Josh Griffin.
Bench: Jack Martin, Justin Sangare, Sam Cook, Jack Smith.
Tries: Va’a (12’), Harrison (60’)
Goals: Harrison 1/2