Hull KR leave it late to win Wembley thriller and claim first trophy in 40 years

Hull KR left it late at Wembley but the Robins finally snapped their 40-year trophy drought by beating Warrington Wolves 8-6 to lift the Challenge Cup.

It was far from the perfect performance from Willie Peters’ side, who trailed for a huge period of the game against the Wolves. But, Tom Davies got over with two minutes remaining on the clock to give the East Yorkshire outfit the win they have craved for so long.

After previous disappointments, KR have got that monkey off their back and as they lift the Challenge Cup for the second time in their history, you have to wonder what else this side is capable of.

Warrington dug deep for 80 minutes and they deserved more for their efforts in the north west London drizzle, with Marc Sneyd winning the Lance Todd Trophy to mark a fine performance. Hull KR just could not and would not be denied though, on a day that will live long in the memory of those from east Hull.

The build-up was all about how KR would manage the occasion having fallen short in 2023 and in last year’s Grand Final. They played the event and not the game on both of those instances and they showed elements of falling into the same trap early doors.

The Robins were far from their usual powerful best inside the opening 15 or 20 minutes, with some uncharecteristically sloppy defence, shooting out of the line with swinging arms and giving away penalties for high shots.

In fact, it’s fair to say Joe Burgess can count himself fortunate not to have been shown a yellow card for his shot on Josh Thewlis.

As such, KR struggled to build the pressure they usually do in the opening stages and Warrington came close to taking advantage of that when Adam Holroyd got over, only to see play pulled back for a ball steal from Rodrick Tai on Jack Broadbent.

Mikey Lewis kicked Rovers ahead after a high shot from Ben Currie and that came during a bright spell from the league leaders, who made short work of Warrington in the league two weeks ago.

But, the now three-time Lance Todd Trophy winner Sneyd was kicking superbly, peppering Jack Broadbent with teasing kicks in testing conditions. And, the one kick that went wide to Burgess brought the mistake Warrington were looking before just minutes before the half-time hooter with the winger spilling the ball 10 metres out.

It was Sneyd who then created the first try of the game as his grubber cannoned off the boot of Jez Litten and into the grateful hands of Thewlis, who touched down in the corner. Advantage to the team with no expectation on them.

That set the tone heading into the second half with Warrington succeeding in pinning Rovers back into their own half with Mikey Lewis spilling the ball on his own line. Rovers survived and Lewis responded perfectly by kicking his side up the field.

KR just couldn’t take advantage and with the scoreline pressure growing, they were guilty of trying to force the issue. To their credit, though, Warrington were simply superb, rebuffing Rovers advances and refusing to budge in the face of the side from east Hull.

From one to 17, the defensive efforts of Burgess’ side were colossal. Showing their big game experience and giving those fans in the West side of Wembley a series of moments to cheer.

Then came the moment that decided 80 minutes of intense and entertaining rugby league. Cutting back against the grain Tyrone May delivered an inch perfect grubber into the in-goal area which Arron Lindop failed to deal with.

Peta Hiku couldn’t get there and as Lindop scrambled, Tom Davies touched the ball down to the level the scores in front of the red and white army.

Mikey Lewis still had to kick the points, but with the weight of east Hull on his shoulders, he stood up and slotted the two points. History made.