Round 23
Hull KR 30 d. Les Catalans Dragons 16

2008 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: engage English Super League

Hull KR upset Catalans
Sat August 2, 2008
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Hull Kingston Rovers responded to coach Justin Morgan's play-off challenge by producing a fine performance to overcome the Catalans Dragons 30-16 at Craven Park.

A run of six defeats in seven league games had left the Robins' bid to reach the top six in severe danger, but Morgan this week told his men that four wins out of their last five games could see them make the cut.

This win over Mick Potter's Catalans side - who already have their play-off spot assured - got their quest off to the perfect start, and it was a victory they thoroughly deserved.

There was little between the sides in the opening half, but Rovers were far more enthusiastic than their opponents in the second, although had Catalans been more ruthless with the ball then the scoreline could easily have been reversed.

With Morgan still refusing to pick Paul Cooke for disciplinary reasons the loose forward watched from the stands with his agent as his side opened up an interval lead that they would never relinquish.

Whilst Catalans remained the more composed side throughout a tight opening period, Rovers looked the most dangerous, especially with the chaotic running of Stanley Gene driving them forward.

The veteran laid on Chaz I'Anson's try just before the interval after bouncing his way through the Catalans defence, allowing Rovers to lead 12-10 when the hooter sounded.

Catalans started the brighter with a promising chance for Younes Khattabi, but they had to wait until the 20th minute to open the scoring when Greg Mounis nipped in to ground after an excellent stand-up pass from Aaron Gorrell.

Sebastien Raguin's length-of-the-field run set up the score, but Rovers were soon level despite losing Chris Chester to a nasty-looking neck injury that held up play for five minutes.

Kris Welham was the scorer of their try, following up Michael Dobson's kick before kicking ahead himself and touching down with some ease.

The visitors hit back and should have posted an instant response when Adam Mogg threw out a forward pass after bursting through three tackles.

A second French try did follow though, with Khattabi overpowering three home defenders for a score that was given with benefit of the doubt by video referee Richard Silverwood.

I'Anson then pounced to nose Rovers in front for the first time and their momentum carried over into the second half as Ben Fisher extended their lead with a third try, taking in an offload from Jason Netherton to race clear and score.

Dobson then had a try chalked off by Silverwood before Catalans very nearly hit back with a score of their own.

Bosc had three support runners as he skipped clear and could have easily picked any of them out, but he was far too casual with his pass and saw the ball picked up by the covering Ben Galea.

The stand-off was made to pay too as Ben Cockayne slid over for a fourth home try after a fine run from Dobson, and when Mick Vella slipped over after some nice work from Ben Galea, the home side were cruising.

Vincent Duport did steal an immediate response for the Dragons as he swooped on a loose ball following a scramble close to the line, and a second in as many minutes would have followed had Greenshields' pass to Khattabi not been forward, but the Dragons had left themselves with too much to do.

Report Source: www.superleague.co.uk

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