Battling Robins slip to defeat as league leaders ease to win
Hull KR’S winning streak came to an end last night as the Robins went down 21-14 to Warrington Wolves, who extended their lead at the top of the Super League table.
The Robins went toe-to-toe with the hosts in a top of the table battle, but a late Matty Ashton try and George Williams drop goal secured the win for Daryl Powell’s side.
Two changes were made to the KR team that demolished Huddersfield Giants 28-0 a week ago.
Ethan Ryan and Sam Wood replaced injured duo Lachlan Coote and Rowan Milnes.
After a nervy start by both teams, Rovers had the better chances in the opening spell.
Corey Hall had a few chances to go over, and it was the Robins who opened the scoring.
Banging on the door, Jez Litten fed James Batchelor a crash ball close to the line, and the second rower provided Ryan with a wonderful flick pass to send the birthday boy over.
Mikey Lewis, on kicking duties, landed the first of his conversions.
Lewis took Batchelor’s pass as inspiration for Rovers’ next try shortly after.
The half-back stayed composed after a positive set and found Kane Linnett in acres of space, hitting a hole from five metres out to take advantage of the flat ball to double the lead for Willie Peters’ men.
It wasn’t just the attack that was impressive in the first quarter.
The Robins showed heart and desire to force errors from Sam Kasiano and Josh Thewlis. An area
of Rovers’ game that has been constant throughout their recent winning streak. However, the dam burst just before the interval when Danny Walker’s boot assisted Josh Mcguire, who beat Lewis to a bouncing ball. Rovers were hit with another blow as the clock ticked down.
Matt Parcell had to leave the field for an HIA after copping a knock trying to ground a Lewis kick.
A tale of two halves, the first 20 dominated by the away side, with Wire growing in confidence in the other. However, Rovers led 12-6 heading into the sheds.
A strong start was needed in the second half, and it was the hosts who got that.
Constant pressure and back-toback penalties allowed Warrington to edge closer to Rovers’ line. Ben Currie dummied his way over, sending Tom Opacic the other way to bring the contest level after Stefan Ratchford’s second conversion.
Under the cosh, the Robins regained the lead after Lewis slotted over a penalty goal to take the sting out of Wire’s attack. Minutes later, it was level again, discipline letting Rovers down as Warrington slotted over a penalty. In a game of fine margins, every point counted.
Lewis hit the post in another penalty attempt as Rovers didn’t get the rub of the green at that moment.
When Ratchford landed his latest penalty to put Warrington into the lead for the first time, it seemed like the game was getting away from Peters’ men.
After a war of attrition, Rovers were slowing down.
At a frantic pace, Matty Ashton sealed the win for Powell and the hosts, finishing off a well-worked shift play in the corner.
George Williams put the icing on the cake with a drop goal to make it a two-score game, and in a classic encounter, Rovers just fell short.