Hull KR 16-23 Catalans Dragons

For the third time, this season Hull Kingston Rovers face Catalans Dragons. The last two fixtures have seen the Robins lose by a golden point, on the season opener and just two points last Saturday. Catalans so far have dominated Super League with only one defeat all season.

The first half was a somewhat tense and tight affair. Neither side was particularly close to a decisive breakthrough. It took to the 28th minute for a point to be scored. Maloney with a penalty to give the visitors a two-point lead. Adbull levelled the score almost immediately with a penalty as both sides struggled to score a try. Franco on debut scored with a minute of the first half to go, replays after the game suggested the winger dropped the ball over the line but the try was given regardless. KR added two more to bring the score to 4-8, Abdull with another penalty as the hooter sounded for the end of the first period.

The start of the second half saw the Catalans extend their lead after only two minutes. Langi gathered a loose ball from a high bomb to touch down. Rovers full-back Adam Quinlan confirmed his departure from the club in recent weeks but he had a man of the match performance last night. Quinlan scored his first try of the evening in the 54th minute to reduce the deficit to just four points. From there it was a tough tug of war, both sides cautious in case of conceding the next points. The hosts finally buckled under Dragons pressure. Sam Tomkins jinked his way over from short range. A penalty from Maloney in the final five minutes gave the visitors a comfortable cushion. Maloney once again on the scoresheet, this time a drop goal as the game started to peter out. One final push from the Red and Whites saw Quinlan cross for his second try of the evening but in the end, it was not enough.

KR at times looked like they could match the league leaders and went toe-to-toe at times but errors and silly penalties gave the game away. The lack of speed and ingenuity in attack at times frustrated fans, improvement will be hoped for in a trip to Leigh on Sunday.

Report by: Simon Bromwich

Hull KR 16 (4)
Tries: Quinlan 2. Goals: Abdull 4.

Catalans Dragons 23 (8)
Tries: Franco, Langi, S.Tomkins. Goals: Maloney 5. Drop Goal: Maloney.

Published: 3rd August 2021