York Knights 19-18 Hull KR: Match Report

York Knights began life in Betfred Super League with a 19-18 win over Hull KR at the LNER Community Stadium.

On a wet night, the Knights named a side with seven players making their Super League debuts, and they put in a superb performance against the reigning champions.

After going into the half time break at 6-6, momentum swung The Robins way at the start of the second half with two unanswered tries.

However, when Mikey Lewis was sinbinned for a trip on Liam Harris, it signalled another big effort from York who hit back to level the game, before an Ata Hingano drop goal clinched it.

After an early York opportunity through Paul Vaughan, Rovers started to settle and forced the Knights to defend in their own 10 metre area. York passed the early test, but a platform for the game was set.

While York were defending well, and often defending back to back sets, Rovers continued to move the ball fluently and asked plenty of questions. Tyrone May eventually found space to cross the line, but the try was ruled out by the video referee.

In contrast, York were starting to find it harder to get out of their own half, although when they were able to throw the ball around, they made good progress.

Rovers were enjoying the better of the possession, but it was York that scored first. After a penalty set up position, some slick passing allowed Sam Wood to see a gap and fly in at the corner for the club’s first ever try in the top flight. Harris couldn’t add the touchline conversion.

Back to back penalties near the York line led to a chance for Rhyse Martin and then Arthur Morgue, but again, the Knights try line defence was incredibly solid.

However with so much pressure still coming, the York line eventually cracked when Jai Whitbread took the ball at pace to crash over. Rhyse Martin converted to put The Robins ahead.

Three consecutive penalties piggy backed York up field, putting them within kicking distance of goal. As the half time hooter sounded, Liam Harris put York level.

Whitbread looked to have given Hull KR the lead just after the restart, only for the video referee to rule his effort out. However, when he went over again minutes later, he wasn’t to be denied his second try of the game. Martin converted.

Momentum was swinging the way of the Robins and when Sauaso Sue hit a short ball at pace, the York defence couldn’t keep him out. Martin converted in front of the posts and Rovers opened up some breathing space.

On the hour mark, the game changed as Rovers went down to 12 men, when Mikey Lewis was sinbinned for a trip on Harris. With the extra space, Harris sent Wood in for a second try from a lovely cut out pass. Harris converted and York were back to within 6 points.

With 10 minutes on the clock, York continued to build pressure. When Scott Galeano pounced on a loose ball to score, followed by Harris’ conversion, the scores were level and the noise from the York fans rose.

Minutes later, the stadium erupted, when Ata Hingano cooley slotted over a drop goal to put York back in front.

With 90 seconds remaining, Rovers had to go the full length of the pitch if they were to snatch it. But another huge defensive effort meant the Knights saw out the game for their first ever Betfred Super League win which will live long in the memories of York supporters.

York: Mata’afa, Jones-Bishop, Williams, Wood, Galeano, Hingano, Lewis, Va’a, McShane, Vaughan, Field, Dee, Thompson

Subs (all used): Balmforth, Martin, Sangare, Griffin

18th Player: Vuniyayawa

Tries: Wood (18, 65), Galeano (63)

Goals: Harris (3/4)

Drop Goal: Hingno (76)

Hull KR: Morgue, Davies, Haiku, Gildart, Burgess, Lewis, May, Sue, Litten, Hadley. Martin, Batchelor, Minchella

Subs (all used): Broadbent, Luckley, Whitbread, Lawton

18th Player: Brown

Tries: Whitbread (33, 46), Sue (53)

Goals: Martin (3/3)

Sin Bin: Lewis (60)

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