Hull KR 23 Wolves 22
AFTER a solid start that gave the impression they were set to stay in touch with Wigan at the top of the Stobart Super League, Wolves surrendered a 22-6 lead at MS3 Craven Park and ended up losing by a single point.
The Robins are making dramatic comebacks something of a speciality – they came back from being 14 points down to beat Hull FC – but few would have given them a chance at the interval in this game.
Warrington – boosted by the return of internationals Brett Hodgson, Ben Westwood and Chris Bridge – looked in no trouble in the first half.
But the Robins’ scrum-half, Michael Dobson had other ideas, landing a 77th minute drop goal to add to his earlier try and three penalties.
Victory would have left Wolves just a point behind leaders Wigan and They looked on course to do just that after four tries in the first half.
But they looked a different side after the break and failed to pick up another point.
Wolves made the stronger start and Gareth O’Brien opened their account with a try following a Rovers error.
He collected the ball from Con Mika and ran 60 metres to land a try, with Brett Hodgson converting.
Westwood added another try in the 10th minute when he grounded a kick from Lee Briers.
Wolves’ third try was somewhat controversial as the Hull players and fans thought Chris Riley had knocked on before a super 80 metre run to go over.
But the try stood to put Wolves 18-0 in the lead.
However, Josh Hodgson got Hull’s first with a try under the posts and the conversion cut Wolves’ lead to 18-6
But moments before half-time Riley picked up his second try of the game after catching the Rovers defence out of position.
Hull made a couple of basic errors when presented with opportunities and hopes of a comeback were dwindling.
But Lincoln Withers sent Dobson over from close range to start the fight-back, and with Dobson also converting the gap was down to 10 points with half-an-hour to go.
Winger Sam Latus added another try and in the 68th minute Hall evaded three Wolves defenders to touch down under the posts. Dobson duly converted.
It nearly ended with honours equal as Dobson landed a drop goal from 20 metres and Wolves’ hopes were dash when a similar effort from Briers’ went wide.
