Hull KR 20-28 Leeds Rhinos

Hull KR fell to a 28-20 defeat against the Leeds Rhinos in a tough contest at Sewell Group Craven Park with the hosts producing a spirited effort in defeat.

Jez Litten got the game underway for the Robins playing in a makeshift halfback role with Elliot Minchella after Mikey Lewis and Rowan Milnes didn’t make the 17 through injury.

The Robins hit the ground running early, receiving the ball close to the Rhinos’ line due to an incorrect play the ball. Matt Parcell darted from dummy half to find a gap to score the first points of the game. Sam Wood converted the try and the score was 6 – 0 to Hull KR.

Soon after, Shaun Kenny-Dowall left the field with a worrying knee injury, Will Tate would enter the fray in the Skipper’s place.

Hull KR punished the Rhinos again on the back of built-up pressure from repeat sets on Leeds’ line. Jez Litten’s measured grubber kick into the corner was put on a plate for Ryan Hall to pounce on get the Robins’ second of the afternoon. Wood couldn’t convert and the score was 10-0.

Leeds hit back though through Brad Dwyer as the hooker scooted and found a gap in the Robins defence to then run around Ethan Ryan to score. Hardaker converted to make the score 10-6 to the Robins after 15 minutes.

The Robins replied minutes later after a penalty on the Rhinos line from a strip following a darting run from Matt Parcell left the visitors scrambled. Craven Park exploded as Jez Litten’s grubber found Kane Linnet to touch down for the Robins. Wood couldn’t convert the try and after 20 minutes the Robins lead 14-6.

The Rhinos were the next team to score through Richie Myler. After back-to-back penalties the Rhinos’ halfback found a gap to run clean through to score. Hardaker converted. The score was now 14-12.

Leeds finally hit the front as Richie Myler crossed for his second. After a set restart close to the Robins’ line, Myler once again found a gap to dart through and score. Hardaker converted again to make the score 18-14 to the Rhinos after 30 minutes.

The halftime whistle went and after a bright opening 20 minutes, the Robins went into halftime trailing 18-14 against the Leeds Rhinos.

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Hull KR 20 (14)
Tries: Parcell, Hall, Linnett, Wood. Goals: Wood (2)

Leeds Rhinos 28 (18)
Tries: Dwyer, Myler (2), Gannon (2). Goals: Hardaker (4)