Saints show their champion class to see off battling KR
COOTE’S TRY DOUBLE IS NOT ENOUGH TO BEAT ST HELENS
On a day where St Helens legend James Roby became the all-time appearance holder in Super League, it was always going to be a tough ask for Hull KR to spoil the party, as the spirited Robins were pipped 26-18.
Tony Smith named the same 17 that defeated Salford Red Devils a week ago, the first time Rovers have named consecutive squads all season.
The champions got off to the perfect start as Tommy Makinson opened the scoring in the first minute after a Jack Welsby kick baffled Ryan Hall, who failed to capture the bomb.
The Saints went down to 12 men after eight minutes when Welsby saw yellow for a push on Lachlan Coote in the back play, and Rovers made the numbers count as Coote scooted over from close range in front of his former supporters as he converted his try to give the Robins the lead.
The man of the moment Roby regained the lead for the Saints as the veteran hooker darted over from
close range after ducking away from three Rovers defenders.
Rovers were then dealt a double whammy as George King left the field after splitting his eye open before Morgan Knowles took a short pass from Walmsley to extend the champions’ lead.
The tries kept on coming in the first half. Hall took his Super League tally to 11 in 2022 as a near-cut-out pass from Coote found the winger in acres of space to earn the Robins another four points.
The Robins were handed a killer blow on the hooter as Matt Parcell was sent to the sin-bin for holding down close to the Rovers line, and Makinson added the easy two points as Rovers trailed 18-12 at the break.
After a fiery start to the second half, Rovers were caught napping after a break from Konrad Hurrell as Ben Davies raced downfield to beat Ethan Ryan and Mikey Lewis after a kick from Welsby landed perfectly for the outside-back.
Jez Litten thought he’d cut the Saints deficit by four, but his try was chalked off for a forward pass which took the game away from the Robins. Saints made Rovers pay when Hurrell sealed the game for the league leaders as he weaved his way over from short range.
Coote had the final say as he bagged his brace after taking a kick from Shaun Kenny-dowall, as the contest finished with the Saints claiming a 26-18 victory over the Robins, with both teams producing a classic Super League tie.
Good day
Frankie Halton - The back-rower continued his rich vein of form with
another superb performance down the middle of the field.
Bad Day
Luis Johnson - He left the field in agony with a shoulder issue and will be hoping its nothing serious after his recent lay-off earlier in the campaign.
Up next
Rovers have a week off due to international fixtures before they entertain Huddersfield Giants at Craven Park in a fortnight.