Hull KR take another win

Abstract

It capped a mammoth spell of defending by Rovers that was reminiscent of the disciplined defending of the Italians. Rovers conceded a succession of penalties and their line was eventually breached the line rather fortuitously.

The opening minutes of the second half were instantly forgettable despite [Scott Murrell]'s clever 10 metre kick-off to Ben Cockayne that handed Rovers possession.

Rovers went for it on the last tackle with Murrell chipping towards Ford in the left hand corner. It came as no surprise when Ford out-jumped [James Haley] to win the ball and touch down for his 25th try.

Hull Kr warmed up for next week's Northern Rail Cup final with a 38-14 win at Halifax.

It was another abject performance by Justin Morgan's side who recorded their third win of the season over Halifax.

Martin Hall's side adopted the same tactics as they did in the 30-22 defeat at Craven Park a week after their 88-6 drubbing by the Robins even though he wasn't their coach at that time.

It was hardly a classic and one that will quickly disappear from the memories from all who attended the game and the contingent of Rovers fans who made the journey can now turn their attention to Sunday's Northern Rail Cup final.

"It's a win," said Morgan. "It's two points and now we can focus on next week.

"It was never going to be a free flowing game because of the rain and the ridiculously slippery balls.

"They weren't going to come out with an open style game plan. They scored a lucky try from a kick and another dodgy one.

"We've come through the game and that's all we're worried about. We won't read too much into this one."

Halifax started brightly and they went into the game knowing they had defeated the promoted side at the Shay for the last three seasons and they were keen to add promotion favourites Rovers to that list.

A James Haley penalty gave them a second minute lead after Ben Fisher's high tackle on his opposite number John Clough.

The runaway leaders put together a decent spell of possession that yielded two tries in as many minutes. Tommy Gallagher scored from dummy half while James Webster finished off a well worked move instigated by breaks from Gallagher and Couturier.

Morton converted both before converting Jon Goddard's first try of the game. The dummy that opened up the space to score was the highlight of the game and it brought an end to the centre's four-game drought.

From the restart, Halifax were penalised and at 18-2 the game was in danger of slipping from their grasp.

Murrell forced a goal-line drop out with a delicate chip to the in-goal area.

Rovers chipped away at their opponents, who were determined to do everything in their power to slow the Robins down.

Iain Morrison and Dean Lawford went toe-to-toe after the Halifax man thought Morrison went in late on him after his kick downfield.

After trading punches, both were sent to the sidelines to cool down for ten minutes. Rovers were correctly awarded the penalty as Lawford threw the first punch.

Francis Stephenson returned to action moments later and he had the perfect view to see Gallagher score his 13th try of a fantastic season.

Webster's cross-field kick showed why he's so important to Rovers. Rivett had the presence of mind to flick the ball in-field to Gallagher who powered his way over from ten metres out.

Morton missed the first of three successive conversions.

Trailing 22-2, Halifax needed a route back into the game and new signing John Clough thought he'd come up with it.

He scampered over the line from dummy-half only to see referee Jamie Leahy call play back for a Halifax scrum. A curious decision to say the least. Nothing came from the scrum and Halifax fans are still wondering why advantage wasn't allowed to be played.

Injury was added to insult when Jon Goddard took his season's total to 17 with another well crafted Rovers score in their very next spell of possession.

The home fans were celebrating six minutes before the interval when former Salford City Reds hooker John Clough scored.

It capped a mammoth spell of defending by Rovers that was reminiscent of the disciplined defending of the Italians. Rovers conceded a succession of penalties and their line was eventually breached the line rather fortuitously.

Clough's kick ricocheted off Scott Murrell and rolled invitingly for Clough to dive on.

Haley converted for a half time deficit of 26-8.

The opening minutes of the second half were instantly forgettable despite Murrell's clever 10 metre kick-off to Ben Cockayne that handed Rovers possession.

The game lacked cohesion and eventually Byron Ford illuminated the ground with a moment of magic he produces on a regular basis.

Rovers went for it on the last tackle with Murrell chipping towards Ford in the left hand corner. It came as no surprise when Ford out-jumped Haley to win the ball and touch down for his 25th try.

Ben Fisher was back on his old stomping ground and it was fitting he got in on the scoring act after missing out on tries in the previous two encounters at Craven Park earlier in the season.

With five minutes remaining, again on the last tackle, Ben Cockayne chipped through and when Damian Gibson failed to collect Fisher slid over in front of the fans that twelve months ago adored him.

In the closing stages, Ford turned from hero to villain by knocking on from the restart allowing Gibson to score from a kick and chase.

Let's hope Leigh turn up to play rugby at Blackpool on Sunday. Another 80 minutes of this will turn fans away from the game.