Hull KR 23-4 Catalan Dragons
By Jack Conlon, Thursday
Thursday’s game was a far cry from the quality we hope and expect in Super League. Hull KR got the win over Catalans but it was a scrappy one, finishing with a horrendous error and penalty count. Neither side seemed to be able to keep hold of the ball, with the Rovers simply being the better of two poor sides.
On a positive note for Tim Sheens, Chris Atkin was again impressive and is really growing into his role. While Danny McGuire remains KR’s leading half, it’s clear Atkin is benefitting greatly from partnering him and is growing more and more as a ball player. Young debutant Will Dagger also looked sharp and should challenge Adam Quinlan for the starting fullback spot.
Steve McNamara should be concerned, as his side are seriously underperforming. The quality is there but for some reason the form isn’t, with discipline and handling errors plaguing their performances. It’s hoped Tony Gigot’s return to the side will have a positive effect, but there are definite changes needed.
Widnes Vikings 10-18 Warrington Wolves
By Sean Evans, Friday
An eager crowd looked on as Warrington stole all local bragging rights with an 18-10 win away at Widnes. Warrington started as they meant to go on with a try just eight minutes in. A good kick from Dec Patton was received by a leaping Ryan Atkins, who slammed the ball down to put the visitors ahead.
Ben Currie found an unfamiliar partner in Stefan Ratchford, and a short ball to the fullback created space with some lovely footwork making light work of Rhys Hanbury’s efforts in defence, putting Warrington ahead by 10 points. Widnes needed spark and a little grubber kick from Joe Mellor created space for Krisnan Inu to pop the ball down and cut the deficit to just 6 points.
The scores remained 4-10 going into the half time break, and it took just five minutes for that to change with another high class try from Atkins, this time plucking the ball out of the sky from a Ratchford kick. Goodwin made it a 12-point gap and later 14, with a penalty conversion putting the Wolves in an extremely favourable position.
Between the try and penalty conversion, referee Phil Bentham had a heavy collision with a Widnes player, leading him to leave the field and be replaced with Scott Mikalauskas.
? OUCH! ?
Referee Phil Bentham took a knock from Chris Houston during tonight’s match between Widnes and Warrington and was unable to continue.
Watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event now or follow: https://t.co/aOgk1BTPTw pic.twitter.com/WPCTgvZjai
— Sky Sports RL ? (@SkySportsRL) February 16, 2018
Much like Atkins, Krisnan Inu got on the end of another kick, this time from Tom Gilmore, giving Widnes a late chance of a comeback. Jay Chapelhow fiercely broke through the Warrington line but fans were left desperate as he knocked on over the line.
Mike Cooper was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul but this did nothing to help Widnes and the scores ended 18-10.
