The London Broncos escape the drop-zone after a memorable victory over their relegation rivals Hull KR. Here’s our verdict..
MATCH DETAILS
Jordan Abdull got the game underway and within five minutes Alex Walker had chased a high ball and was taken in the air. The hosts had a penalty right in front of the sticks and Kieran Dixon comfortably got the two points.
Hull Kingston Rovers responded putting the pressure on the hosts and they forced two goal line dropouts in the next 10 minutes.
The Broncos, however showed their resolute defence and after 26 minutes a ball went wide to Dixon who kicked back infield to an unmarked Morgan Smith who was over for his first try in a London shirt.
Within five minutes the Broncos had pulled further in front as a penalty for a high tackle was slotted by Dixon and the gap went up to eight.
Hull Kingston Rovers were not going to lie down they took a high ball on their line and broke down field. The build-up play saw a dab kick from Tommy Lee went through and was collected by Weller Hauraki just before half-time.
The East Hull side came out early for the second half and within two minutes Adam Quinlan had gone over to take the lead.
Three minutes later the visitors were over again as Chris Atkin took an inside pass from on-loan Daniel Murray and was over for the try.
Jordan Abdull was kicking the side around the field and on 52 minutes he put in a 40:20 and within a minute the hosts were back in it as Walker collected a sublime kick from Smith to score the try.
Nine minutes later and that man Abdul was involved again. Firstly Dixon chased down a ball and seemed to miss the chance and following up was Abdull.
Referee Chris Kendall sent it upstairs and Video Ref , Ben Thaler, decided that on closer inspection Abdull had beaten Quinlan to touching the ball down. The try stood and when Dixon converted the Broncos were back in front.
The ball went back and forth between the lines until on 75 minutes Rob Butler ran at the line and just kept going and as he hit the floor the ball seemed to be down.
Again Thaler was in play and after a few different angles were shown the Try was given and Butler had scored his first try for London.
The short kick off was effective from Rovers and with one minute left Josh Drinkwater went over to start London pulses racing as they gap was reduced to two points.
Broncos kicked, Rovers knocked on ands London Broncos had won their third game in four and moved off of the foot of the table.
FOUR POINTERS
Theย Relegation Battle Heats Up
London’s memorable win lifts them up two places in the Super League table as their brilliant form continues.
Hull KR sink to bottom for the first time this season and remain level on points with Leeds Rhinos who are yet to play St Helens.
Abdull Shines Again
It was another eye-catching performance from the stand-off as fought against his potential employers for next season.
The starman bagged a try from Dixon’s inside pass and helped set up a try for Smith after his beautiful 40:20 kick.
Away Woes
Hull KR’s away form continues to defy them two points as they struggle to hang on to their leads on the road.
They still have three away wins to their name, two were at Salford and one at Wakefield. It begs to question whether their lack of wins away will cost them their place in Super League next season.
Is it the End?
The match was seen by many as the relegation battle that decides who could go down next season. Despite London being the victors, they still remain in the mix.
The bottom three being Hull KR, Leeds and London will remain the same after this weekend, they still have eleven games left to play and the battle is far from over.
THE RESULT
London + 26
Tries: Smith (26), Walker (52), Abdull (61), Butler (75)
Goals:ย Dixon (5)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
Hull KR + 24
Tries: Hauraki (35), Quinlan (43), Atkin (46), Drinkwater (78)
Goals:ย Shaw (4)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
SQUADS
London: Alex Walker, Kieran Dixon, Ryan Morgan, Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams, Jordan Abdull, Morgan Smith, Eddie Battye, James Cunningham, Olsi Krasniqi, Jay Pitts, Matt Gee, Luke Yates.
Interchanges:ย Matty Fozard, Nathan Mason, Rob Butler, Mark Ioane.
Hull KR: Adam Quinlan, Ryan Shaw, Kane Linnett, Ben Crooks, Craig Hall, Josh Drinkwater, Chris Atkin, Robbie Mulhern, George Lawler, Mose Masoe, Weller Hauraki, Joel Tomkins, Luis Johnson.
Interchanges:ย Harvey Livett, Tommy Lee, Jimmy Keinhorst, Daniel Murray.
