Rovers see off champions
Hull KR confirmed their genuine Grand Final aspirations with an impressive 25-6 victory over champions Leeds.
Last Updated: 09/07/10 10:54pm
Hull KR confirmed their genuine Grand Final aspirations with an impressive 25-6 victory over champions Leeds at Craven Park.
The Robins completed a league double over Leeds - their first for 24 years - thanks to tries from Ben Galea, Ben Fisher, Peter Fox and Ben Cockayne, while the Rhinos could manage just a solitary score courtesy of Ryan Hall.
But Hall - Leeds' top scorer with 20 tries this season - twice blew chances to touch down as the Rhinos wasted opportunities to get back into the contest.
Despite that, Rovers were worthy winners and will be relishing the chance to take this fine form into Thursday's derby clash against Hull.
Danny McGuire should have given Leeds an early lead only for his score in the corner to be chalked off for a double movement and moments later Rovers took the lead, as Galea battled his way through two tackles for his fifth try of the season, Michael Dobson adding the extras from the touchline.
Dominant
The hosts were dominant in the opening stages and after forcing three goal-line drop-outs, Fisher and Liam Watts combined for the second converted score.
Ryan Bailey and Paul McShane both knocked on when they should have scored and Rovers took full advantage after weathering some fierce pressure, England winger Fox scooping up a loose ball and racing 60 metres to score.
Dobson's third conversion made it 18-0 at the break, but on 50 minutes Leeds got back into the contest when Rob Burrow's neat dab through was touched down by Hall and Kevin Sinfield converted.
Burrow - back after a nine-game absence with knee trouble - made a try-saving tackle on debutant Josh Charnley, but Dobson's long-range drop-goal stretched the lead to three scores.
With 11 minutes left Hall should have given Leeds hope but he dropped the ball in the act of scoring.
Cockayne touched down Galea's grubber kick to seal the points, but the night still had a couple of further blows for Leeds.
Hall wasted another scoring-chance over the try-line, but more ominous was the sight of Burrow again hobbling off in the closing moments.
