Betfred Super League
Hull FC (12) 20
Tries: Batchelor, D Litten, Arthur Goals: Hardaker 4
Hull KR (12) 28
Tries: Amone, Mourgue, Broadbent, Burgess, Dezaria Goals: Mourgue 7
The out-of-form Super League champions, Hull KR, snapped their losing streak by triumphing over city rivals Hull FC in an intense derby clash.
The struggling Hull FC, now with only one win in their last 11 matches, jumped to a 12-0 advantage within the first 10 minutes, thanks to tries from Joe Batchelor and Davy Litten. However, a pair of tries from Tom Amone and Arthur Mourgue leveled the score by halftime.
Jack Broadbent’s try allowed the Robins to claim the lead for the first time in the match, and Joe Burgess added a stunning 95-meter intercept try, giving his team some breathing room. Although Jake Arthur managed to give the hosts a momentary ray of hope with a try off a brilliant grubber kick by Zak Hardaker, Jordan Dezaria smashed over the line to secure the victory for the Robins, who climbed back into the playoff positions in fifth.
This match marked the final derby for Willie Peters as head coach of KR, and his team extended their winning streak to nine consecutive victories against their rivals. In stark contrast, Thursday’s match represented a sixth straight loss for Hull FC, whose difficult season continues.
Robins Maintain Derby Supremacy
This was the second derby between the two teams this month, having previously met at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium during a Magic Weekend game, where the Robins had to fight hard to secure a 26-12 win.
After losses against Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves, the Robins faced an uphill challenge when they initially lost their captain’s challenge within 90 seconds and quickly fell behind by two scores due to tries from Batchelor and Litten, both of which showcased their attacking prowess.
Despite their shaky start, the visitors regained composure, with Amone crashing over following solid support from Jez Litten, and Mourgue also scored, bringing the halftime score to 12-12 after a resilient first half.
A penalty from Hardaker nudged Hull FC back into the lead after a high tackle, but Broadbent’s try from a Jez Litten kick turned the tide in KR’s favor. Burgess, returning to the lineup after being omitted the previous week, intercepted a pass from Jake Arthur deep in his own half to score an electrifying try. Although Hardaker’s skills helped Arthur score to narrow the lead momentarily, Dezaria sealed the match with a close-range try for his debut score with the Robins.
Hull FC, which acknowledged their poor season in a recent statement, will visit bottom club Huddersfield Giants next Thursday, while Hull KR prepares to host Bradford Bulls the following Friday.
Peters Expresses Pride in Hull KR ‘Fight’
Hull FC’s interim coach, Andy Last, shared his thoughts with BBC Radio Humberside:
“I’m very disappointed. It would have been fantastic to secure two points, especially with such an incredible turnout from our loyal supporters amidst a challenging season.”
“We started strong, which was crucial to engage our fans, and we sensed Rovers were vulnerable after their recent performances.”
“However, we conceded some soft tries, which stemmed from fatigue. In the second half, Rovers applied relentless pressure, forcing us into uncharacteristic errors.”
Hull KR head coach, Willie Peters, commented to BBC Humberside:
“I’m really proud of the team. We had a shaky start, falling 12 points down quickly, but we showed resilience.”
“Tom Amone and Kyle Lawton were exceptional off the bench and made a notable impact. Dean Hadley’s contributions were invaluable as always.”
Regarding leaders Elliot Minchella and Jez Litten: “When things get tough, it’s essential for leaders to step up, and both did remarkably well tonight.”
“I had a good feeling heading into this game, and coming back from being 12-0 down against our rivals showcased our fighting spirit.”
Hull FC: Moy; Barron, Hardaker, Litten, Briscoe; Arthur, Sezer; Salabio, Cust, Hill, Batchelor, O’Neill, Bell.
Substitutes: Bourouh, Clark, Ese’ese, Wood.
Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess; Mourgue, May; Sue, Litten, Hadley, Whitbread, Batchelor, Minchella.
Substitutes: Amone, Luckley, Lawton, Dezaria.
Referee: Chris Kendall.