Joe Burgess secured the match-winning try for Hull KR.
Betfred Super League
Hull KR (2) 12
Tries: Burgess Goals: Martin 4
St Helens (2) 8
Tries: Cross Goals: Percival 2
Hull KR extended their lead at the top of the Super League table to six points with a hard-fought 12-8 victory over a strong St Helens side at Craven Park.
Both teams displayed robust defenses in a fiercely contested first half, punctuated by injury stoppages. The scoring remained tight, with Mark Percival’s penalty leveling the score after Rhyse Martin had initially put the hosts ahead.
Three additional penalties converted by Martin gave Rovers a six-point advantage heading into the final quarter, as Saints began to show signs of fatigue.
A well-executed flat pass from Mikey Lewis allowed Joe Burgess to score in the left corner, extending the lead to 12-2. Despite a late try from Deon Cross for Saints, it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Rovers rebounded from their heaviest defeat of the season against Leeds Rhinos the previous weekend with this win, while handing fourth-placed Saints only their second loss in the last 11 games.
Reigning Man of Steel Mikey Lewis once again proved to be a key player for Hull KR.
The visitors suffered an early setback when loose forward Morgan Knowles was forced to leave the field due to a head injury sustained from a high tackle, resulting in a 10-minute sin-bin for Martin.
Home fans were relieved when half-back Lewis returned to the game after briefly limping off. Later, George Delaney, who replaced Knowles, was fortunate to only receive a yellow card for a shoulder charge to Eribe Doro’s head.
Martin was stopped just short of the line, and James Batchelor knocked on near the line as Rovers attempted to capitalize on their man advantage. However, strong defensive efforts prevented them from scoring in a tense and scoreless first half-hour.
Martin put the hosts ahead after Joe Batchelor was penalized for a late hit on Jez Litten. Saints, despite being under pressure for extended periods, leveled the score through Percival when Litten was called for ruck interference.
Joe Batchelor’s illegal block on Lewis during a chip chase led to another penalty, which Martin converted, putting the visitors behind again.
Tom Davies was denied the opening try when Peta Hiku stepped into touch, but Rovers continued to grind out a six-point lead with two quick penalties, the second resulting from Delaney holding on after Lewis broke free.
As the visitors began to tire, Rovers finally broke through in the 67th minute. Lewis set up the scoring opportunity with a brilliant 40-20 kick before providing the assist for the try.
Saints created a tense finish when Cross chased down Jack Welsby’s kick to score a try, but the hosts held on to secure their fifth consecutive win over Saints and their third victory against them this season.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters told BBC Radio Humberside:
“I felt we were outplayed in every aspect last week [against Leeds]. This week, we responded in the best possible manner.
“We secured the result, but I’m particularly pleased with the performance, as it showcased a gritty and resilient Hull KR.
“Facing one of the competition’s top defensive teams, breaking them down is a challenge. Consequently, we opted to take penalty kicks to secure the points.
“Defensively, our aim was to excel, and I believe we achieved that for the majority of the game.”
St Helens head coach Paul Wellens told BBC Radio Merseyside:
“I thought it was a high-quality game characterized by intense effort and commitment. It had the atmosphere of a play-off match.
“I’m very proud of the players and their relentless effort throughout the game. We faced significant pressure at times.
“In contrast to our visit here 10 or 11 weeks ago when we faltered under pressure, we stood firm tonight, demonstrating the progress we’ve made as a team.
“While we’re disappointed with the result, there’s much to admire in our performance. However, to achieve success, we need to refine certain aspects of our game.”
Hull KR: Mourgue; Davies, Hiku, Broadbent, Burgess; Lewis, May; Hadley, Litten, Whitbread, Batchelor, Martin, Minchella.
Interchanges: Luckley, Tanginoa, Doro, Leyland.
St Helens: Welsby; Sailor, Robertson, Percival, Cross; Lomax, Mbye; Walmsley, Clark, Lees, Sironen, Whitley, Knowles.
Interchanges: Batchelor, Paasi, Delaney, Burns.
Referee: Chris Kendall.
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