Hull KR 40-16 Leigh Centurions

Sunday saw the turn of Hull Kingston Rovers to host fans back at their home ground for the first time in over a year. The last time fans graced Craven Park saw the Robins beat Leigh Centurions in the dying seconds of a Challenge Cup fixture. This time they host Leigh with the visitors’ part of the Super League. Leigh is however winless this season and struggling for form, the same could have been said of KR’s previous opponents Wakefield which ended with a Wakefield victory 28-10. Despite being named in the 21-man squad Tony Smith was still unable to select reliable prop, George King, due to injury.

Two tries in the opening eight minutes both created by half-back Jordan Abdull. The first try came from Kane Linnett after strong play from Abdull, the second a kick through the line from by the half, found Ryan Hall in the corner. A half break and offload from Ben Reynolds saw Ben Hellewell throw an audacious dummy as he strolled in for a try. Brad Takairangi took the turn of the creator as his fine footwork drew defenders in, Greg Minikin the winger had the easy job of touching down. At this point, KR could have been 18-6 up, yet Jordan Abdull had failed with all three conversion attempts. When former KR man Ryan Brierley scored on the back of a Leigh breakaway the game levelled up at 12-12. Rovers lead at the break 18-12 after Linnett scored his second of the game, Abdull again the creator.

Second half Tony Smith’s side seemed to find another gear. First Rowan Milnes collected Adbull’s kick through for an easy try. Litten’s quick play the ball caught the Centurions napping when the heavily face bandaged Dean Hadley twisted and powered over. Hadley then turned provider as quick hands opened space for Ryan Hall to run into the vacated space on Leigh’s right side of the defence. Hellewell got a try late on when he connected once again with Reynolds. Rovers got the final score of the game, Hall’s hat-trick came after Milnes stepped and swayed beyond challenges before an elegant flick wide to the winger for another easy try.
Hull Kingston Rovers will be please with the win, not just for the two points but for how convincing the victory was. Four wins, four defeats, sees the Robins 6th. Leigh will have a difficult job staying in Super League at this rate.

Reported by: Simon Bromwich

Hull KR 40 (18)
Tries: Linnett 2, Hall 3, Minikin, Milnes, Hadley. Goals: Abdull 4

Leigh Centurions 16 (12)
Tries: Hellewell 2, Brierley. Goals: Reynolds 2

Published: 31st May 2021