Hull Kingston Rovers earned some vital two points on their travels to Anfield in tense fixture at Anfield. Here’s our verdict…
MATCH DETAILS
A close opening quarter saw both sides spurn good chances but Kane Linnett took the first try of the afternoon, working hard to ground the ball following lovely hands from Rovers. Ryan Shaw converted and a penalty goal from the winger on 25 minutes put the Robins 8-0 ahead.
Better was to come from Tim Sheens’ men in the first half, as Craig Hall pounced on a loose ball allowed to bounce by Salford for his 100th Super League try, following Shaw’s kick on the left edge.
Pauli Pauli was sin-binned shortly before the half hour mark for the Devils but Rovers couldn’t take advantage – and Joey Lussick’s dummy-half try just a minute before the half-time whistle.
Hall scored his second to give his side 20-6 lead, pouncing on another Salford error converted by Shaw but tries to Pauli Pauli and Ken Sio put Salford to within four points at 20-16 heading into the final quarter.
Sio once again crossed on the 70th minute to make the scores level but Shaw’s penalty goal five minutes from time secured a precious Betfred Super League win for Tim Sheens’ men.
FOUR POINTERS
Deja vu
It was the second time in May that these two teams have met and both results have been in favour of Rovers.
However the scoreline doesn’t do justice for Salford’s efforts has they looked like they could’ve made a comeback that was similar to their late win over Hull KR at Craven Park earlier in the season.
Thrown Away
As mentioned the scoreline didn’t do justice to Salford’s efforts as they had chances to score when Hull KR were short on numbers along the wings.
However the passes that were being fed weren’t accurate enough and so it went wide. Not only have these errors contributed to their defeat but also silly mistakes that have lead to them conceding tries.
Vital Two Points
Hull KR bagged their fifth win of the season and a second to their away tally. This however still lands them in a relegation battle with Leeds Rhinos and London Broncos.
However with London losing to Leeds, they now remain two points above London and ahead on points difference.
Challenge Cup
Although Salford have been knocked out they will now have next weekend off which could help freshen up the squad for when they next face Hull FC.
As for Hull KR they will go again in the Challenge Cup quarter-final and will host a strong Warrington Wolves side.
THE RESULT
Salford Red Devils + 20
Tries: Lussick (39), Pauli (51), Sio (56,70)
Goals: Inu (2)
Drop Goals: n/a
Hull Kingston Rovers + 22
Tries: Linnett (18), Hall (27,44)
Goals: Shaw (5)
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Salford: Evalds, Sio, Welham, Inu, Olpherts, Lui, Hastings, Mossop, Lussick, Dudson, Jones, Griffin, Burke.
Interchanges: Bibby, McCarthy, Pauli Pauli, Walker
Hull KR: Hall, Crooks, Keinhorst, Linnett, Shaw, McGuire, Drinkwater, Masoe, Addy, Mulhern, Hauraki, Tomkins, Lawler.
Interchanges: Atkin, Lunt, Garbutt, Maria
