Hull KR’s Challenge Cup title defence continues – but head coach Willie Peters wants more.
Hull KR’s Tyrone May scored a hat-trick in the Challenge Cup victory over York Knights.
Hull KR powered into the Challenge Cup semi-finals with an eight-try display – but boss Willie Peters still wasn’t completely satisfied after their demolition of York Knights.
The Robins booked their fifth straight last-four spot with a comfortable 48-10 victory at Sewell Group Craven Park – brushing aside any memories of their shock 19-18 defeat to York on the opening night of the Super League season.
This time, there was no upset on the cards with Tyrone May grabbing a hat-trick and half-back partner Mikey Lewis scoring a highlight solo try in the triumph. The pair were joined on the scoresheet by Sauaso Sue, Jack Broadbent, Jai Whitbread and Joe Burgess.
But despite the triumph, Peters made it clear he still expects more from his side.
“I’m pleased with the result for sure, but there were patches of the game that I wasn’t,” he said.
“But at the end of the day, the Challenge Cup is all about winning and getting a result and we did that.
“There was a lot to like. I thought our spine ran the ball extremely well, and when they’re doing that, we look dangerous with the ball.
“I didn’t like the try early on – their first look at our try-line and they score. But there were some moments I did like as well when we defended our line.
“It’s a case of job done, and we go through to the semi-finals.”
While May grabbed the glory with three tries, it was dummy-half Jez Litten who picked up the official player of the match award after a lively display that caused York constant problems.
Peters praised both men for their impact, highlighting May’s key role in orchestrating Rovers’ attack.
“For me, Tyrone plays a massive part in what we do,” Peters said.
“He has a huge influence on our team, especially around our attack and how we want to play. He controls a lot of the spine meetings, and certainly helps Mikey be able to do his thing as well.
“I’m happy for Tyrone to get some tries, but one thing I was happy with was how our spine ran the ball. The way the game is, you need your spine to run the ball and they all did that.
“I thought Jez Litten was outstanding from dummy-half – he caused a lot of headaches to York’s defence and had them on the back foot. He was nice and direct in his approach.”
Next up, Hull KR travel to Toulouse Olympique back in Super League action.