Wakefield Trinity clinch their first win in five games in a crucial relegation battle at Hull Kingston Rovers. Here’s our verdict…
MATCH DETAILS
Wakefield Trinity ran in seven tries to hammer Super League bottom-four rivals Hull Kingston Rovers at Craven Park and ease their own relegation fears.
London Broncos’ shock win against Catalans Dragons on Saturday had left all the bottom four level on 18 points.
But, coupled with Huddersfield’s home defeat by Castleford, Wakefield have climbed two points clear of danger.
Jacob Miller, Ryan Hampshire), Ben Jones-Bishop, Kyle Wood and Bill Tupou got the Trinity tries.
Rovers were up against a Wakefield side inspired by on-loan Wigan full-back Morgan Escare and just managed to get two tries.
Both late on in the first half from Ben Crooks and Mitch Garbutt as, despite a reshuffle following the loss of full-back Adam Quinlan, the Robins came from 14-0 down after 19 minutes to trail just 14-10 at the break.
But Trinity ran in four more second-half tries, two of them for winger Hampshire in rapid succession at the end, as Chris Chester’s men won for only the second time in 12 games to draw level with Leeds on 20 points.
FOUR POINTERS
Missed Opportunity
The odds were in favour of Hull Kingston Rovers as they fielded a very strong squad against a Wakefield side that were a dealt a blow with injuries and were looking for their first win in five games.
Trinity did just that, meaning it was another relegation battle that Rovers lost. They will once againย host another battle against the Broncos in three weeks time.
The question is whether the Londoners will fare in those those two final away fixtures which may hold the key to the whole relegation equation.
Back to Winning Ways
As touched upon in the previous pointer, Wakefield picked up a crucial two points on the road which was their first win in five games.
They dictated the game’s momentum and forced a lot of errors out of Hull KR. A much deserved win for the visitors.
Wakefield now face two tough games against two of the main top five contenders Wigan and Warrington, before facing bottom club London Broncos on the last day.
Sour Atmosphere
It wasn’t a good day for Hull KR when you look at the perspectives both on and off the pitch. The poor performance from Rovers was too frustrating to bear for the supporters.
Eye witnesses claimed there was an exchange of words between Ben Crooks and a Hull KR supporter. It really summed up the stressful situation for everyone involved at the club.
The Relegation Battle Intensifies
It doesn’t get better for Hull KR as they areย likely to be without Australian fullback Quinlan for their final three games after Robins coach Tony Smith revealed that he had suffered an abductor muscle injury.
At this point they are now level with Broncos with points difference keeping them in 11th. And will now have Catalan, London and Salford to play next.
Rovers fans can thank Castleford for beating Huddersfield which means they are three teams that are tied at the bottom.
As for Wakefield they maybe safe for just a little longer.
THE RESULT
Hull KR + 10
Tries:ย Crooks (32), Garbutt (35)
Goals:ย Shaw (1)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
Wakefield + 38
Tries: Miller (10,68), Jones-Bishop (19), Wood (45), Tupou (64), Hampshire (73,77)
Goals:ย Brough (5)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
SQUADS
Hull KR: Adam Quinlan, Ryan Shaw, Ben Crooks, Kane Linnett, Craig Hall, Danny McGuire, Josh Drinkwater, Mose Masoe, Chris Atkin, Daniel Murray, Joel Tomkins, Weller Hauraki, Dean Hadley.
Interchanges: Mitch Garbutt, Kyle Trout, Jez Litten, Robbie Mulhern
ย Wakefield: Morgan Escare, Ben Jones-Bishop, Reece Lyne, Bill Tupou, Ryan Hampshire, Jacob Miller, Danny Brough, Anthony England, Kyle Wood, Craig Kopczak, James Batchelor, Danny Kirmond, Kelepi Tanginoa.
Interchanges:ย Chris Annakin, Chris Green, Tyler Randell, Adam Tangata.
