The Robins beat Leigh 22-8 at Craven Park
Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis congratulates Peta Hiku on his play that sends Jai Whitbread over for a try against Leigh.
Hull KR edged out Leigh Leopards 22-8 at Craven Park to move within two points of Super League’s top two.
Willie Peters’ side frustrated at times but they scored four tries on the night with Joe Burgess, Peta Hiku, Jai Whitbread and Bill Leyland all going over on home soil to ensure they picked up their second home win in as many weeks.
It means KR head into next Friday’s blockbuster clash against table toppers Leeds Rhinos in a bit of form but there’s some way to go before they can be considered to be firing on all cylinders.
Rovers started so well against Adrian Lam’s side, winning the battle through the middle of the park and making use of a couple of six agains to find good ball opportunities.
Mikey Lewis thought he was in before play was pulled back quite rightly for a forward pass. However, they didn’t have to wait too long for another opportunity to get over the line with KR spreading the ball from right to left. Lewis found makeshift centre Rhyse Martin, who drew the defender in well to give Burgess the space to finish.
Rovers couldn’t keep quite keep things clean and tidy and committed a couple of handling errors to let Leigh back into the game, but that didn’t stop them from extending their lead through Hiku, who touched down May’s kick through the line. The kick looked a little heavy as it came off May’s boot but it held up beautifully for the New Zealand international to get there ahead of David Armstrong.
Leigh got off the mark shortly after, though, with Umyla Hanley’s offload going backwards before Jacob Alick-Wiencke powered over despite the best efforts of Dean Hadley to stop him in his tracks.
Leigh came close to scoring again but Robbie Mulhern spilled it over the line and with a minute or so left on the clock Mikey Lewis saw a drop goal attempt crash against the post.
KR were forced to overcome adversity at the start of the second half as Joe Burgess was helped off the field with what looked like a shoulder injury following a collision with Aaron Pene.
That didn’t knock KR off their stride though and with Willie Peters’ half-time words ringing in their ears they took control of the contest.
Whitbread scored the first points of the second half as he finished a fine move that started with a Lewis kick over the top for Hiku to collect. Hiku found the supporting run of Whitbread on his shoulder and the forward stepped around the covering Umyla Hanley to finish.
And, Rovers found another through Leyland, who had no right to get over from 5 metres out but he managed to covert his dummy half scoot through sheer will and tenacity.
Hull FC bound Bailey Hodgson pulled one back for Leigh with just under 10 minutes to go but the Leopards were never going to trouble KR’s 12-point lead by that stage.
And, with three minutes remaining, Leyland was caught high to give Rhyse Martin the opportunity to kick two more points.