Match Report – Hull KR 20 – 28 Leeds
Morgan Gannon’s two second-half efforts helped Rhinos win; A belated effort from Sam Wood is only a consolation for the home team
Last Updated: 12/08/22 10:55 pm
A Morgan Gannon brace in the second half proved the difference as Leeds Rhinos sealed a 28-20 win over Hull KR.
It was a frantic first 40 minutes at the Sewell Corporation’s Craven Park with both sides throwing everything at hand into what could be a deciding match.
Although the hosts enjoyed most of the possession, Rhinos took the lead 18-14, Richie Myler’s double after a superb Brad Dwyer solo helped Rhinos make the most of his chances. when both sides try to defend.
With things settled in the second half, Gannon’s two attempts proved the difference, the second showing off his pace as he fouled Robins to sprint down the pitch and make the lead. up 28-14.
Sam Wood managed to bring the deficit down to just eight points with 10 minutes remaining, but that was no more than a consolation as the visitors played solidly defensive in the final half.
Story of the match
Both sides were forced to make some changes to their number 17, which at times showed a flurry of frenzy and frenzy but got off to a perfect start for the home side as hooker Matt Parcell got ahead. from the dummy half at the third minute.
It was constant pressure from Robins, four sets in a row in Leeds’ attack and finally counting when Ryan Hall hit Jez Litten’s ball for the final touch and the score was 10-0 in minutes.
A penalty was an unexpected advantage for Leeds and in the next set Dwyer overcame the gap from half a meter beyond 40 yards and rounded full-back Ethan Ryan to score.
Parcell did the same a few minutes later in the back end of a stormy Hall track, but he was dragged down a meter short and won a penalty for a strip.
Rovers took the opportunity in the next set, with Litten the architect again with another rough kick, this time knocked out by Kane Linnett and confirmed 14-6 by video referee Robert Hicks.
The free kicks behind gave way to Rhinos and Myler to score after Wood and Ryan fouled the ball.
Hull KR: Tries: Matt Parcell, Ryan Hall, Sam Wood; Transformation: Sam Wood (2)
Leeds Rhinos: Tries: Brad Dwyer, Richie Myler (2), Morgan Gannon (2); Conversion: Zak Hardaker (4)
The home crowd was adamant there was a block when he scored, but referee Jack Smith was pleased with that and gave it a try when Zak Hardaker converted the score for 14-12.
The visitors took the lead for the first time when Dwyer once again dashed across the line, finding Myler with a dangerously short pass in the 28th minute.
Leeds made three attempts early in the second half when Harry Newman’s cross created overlap and Gannon crossed outside Ben Crooks to get past.
Despite Mikolaj Oledzki being dumped in the trash, it was Rhinos who scored in the 10 minutes that saw their captain leave the field.
A drop to the right of the home side was knocked out by Sam Wood and Gannon pulled back to sprint over 50 yards and give his team what proved to be a 28-14 lead.
Wood gave his side hope with 10 minutes of play, scoring after catching a short Litten pass near the line before converting to bring his side within eight points. .
What did they say:
Hull KR head coach Danny McGuire: “I think the lack of discipline sometimes costs us.
“Maybe we took too many penalties and missed too many tackles.
“I’m disappointed but we’re still there in the end, which makes me proud.
“This is not looking for sympathy but I don’t know how we’re going to put a team together later on.
“We’re in a good position in terms of each other but injury wise, I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Leeds head coach Rohan Smith: “It was a massacre.
“Great spirit and we talked about winning in different ways and they gritted their teeth.
“I thought we were always in control despite a difficult start so I’m very proud.
“They are a good group of people and I know that before coming here I did my homework and they are a good group.”
What’s next?
Both Leeds and Hull KR will next act on Friday 19 August, the Rhinos return to Headingley for their next clash as they welcome the Warrington Wolves. For Hull KR, next is a trip to top team St Helens, with both matches set to kick off at 8pm.