Hull KR thumped Hull FC 32-16 at the MKM Stadium to book their spot in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Here’s our verdict.
Action
Hull KR had won the last three Hull derbies heading into this Challenge Cup quarter-finals and in truth, they were never really troubled at the MKM Stadium as they sealed their spot in the final four.
In keeping with the size of the occasion, it was a tentative start from both sides at the MKM Stadium and both Hull and Rovers saw any sort of early progress stifled by handling errors and mistakes.
Davy Litten went closest to getting over the line inside the first 15 minutes with the centre darting for the line out of dummy half on the last, only see KR stop him in his tracks.
The loss of Mikey Lewis to what looked like another ankle injury could have derailed the Robins, but it never. In fact, Rovers managed to find their groove with their star half-back off the pitch, touching down for three tries to grasp the contest by the scruff of the neck.
Tom Davies grabbed the first, squeezing over with a diving finish in the corner to complete a neat attacking move from the Red and Whites and make Hull pay for a mistake at the ruck. Joe Burgess can probably count himself slightly fortunate with Rovers’ second as Tyrone May’s kick bounced perfectly for the winger to run onto at pace.
Burgess then had the presence of mind to round Hull’s scrambling defence and touch down under the posts.
Hull tried to find something to get going but they were powerless to prevent the first half coming to an end with another Rovers try. Peta Hiku managed to get the ball away to Sam Luckley, who found Jack Broadbent in acres of space on the edge to touch down.
FC gathered for a huddle on the pitch before heading down the huddle, but they were caught cold at the start of the second half as Joe Burgess touched down for his second early on.
Jez Litten added a fifth, capitalising on smart offload from May by powering through a gap in the Hull line to touch down in front of the Rovers fans.
The Black and Whites eventually got themselves on the scoresheet through Lewis Martin, claiming a looping pass over the top from Jordan Rapana to finish. And, Herman Ese’ese showed why he is considered the best prop outside the NRL right now by powering over the line in emphatic fashion.
Litten extended the Robins’ lead from the boot, after seeing Will Pryce penalised for a high shot and although Zak Hardaker touched down late, it wasn’t going to prevent Rovers from cruising into the semi-finals.
Star man
Jez Litten. Entered the fray after 15 minutes to replace Mikey Lewis and changed the contest in the half-back role. Involved in most things Rovers did well with the ball and defended with typical grit, too.
Good day for
Hull KR. The Robins’ unbeaten run continues and they are now just one win away from another major final. Make that nine games played, nine games won for Willie Peters’ side.
Bad day for
Mikey Lewis. The reigning Man of Steel lasted just 15 minutes before being forced off with what looked an ankle injury. He could be seen warming up down the touchline before the end of the first half but he didn’t return to the action.
Bigger picture
Hull FC may be second in the Super League table but they were simply no match for the Robins. KR may find the going a little tougher next week when they host Wigan Warriors, but they won’t be short of confidence after this one.
The Black and Whites have some issues to address heading into their Warrington Wolves clash next week but they’ll hope to be better once Will Pryce has had time to settle in.
Teams
Hull FC: Jordan Rapana; Tom Briscoe, Zak Hardaker, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin; Will Pryce, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Liam Knight; Ed Chamberlain, Jordan Lane; John Asiata
Bench: Yusuf Aydin, Jack Ashworth, Logan Moy, Sam Eseh.
Hull KR: Jack Broadbent; Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess; Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May; Sauaso Sue, Micky Mcilorum, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves; Dean Hadley, Kelepi Tanginoa, Elliot Minchella.
Bench: Jez Litten, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Jack Brown.
