Hull Kingston Rovers continued to climb the Super League table, moving into fourth place with a convincing 6-20 victory over Hull FC at the KC Stadium on Thursday night, and generally always looking in control of the game.
Superbly led by captain Terry Campese, the Robins took the lead after just four minutes when Campese himself scored after taking the ball as first receiver from hooker Shaun Lunt, and they were in for a second after 25 minutes when Kieran Dixon shot over the line after more good work by Campese and Maurice Blair.
But Hull came back into the game shortly afterwards, when Dixon took a high ball just outside his in-goal, and was pushed back into it, and lost the ball as he appeared to ground it in the field of play. Leon Pryce was able to pick it up and touch it down for a controversial try confirmed by the video referee, with Jordan Rankin adding the goal.
The Robins restored their 12-point advantage, however, when Fetuli Talanoa dropped an Albert Kelly bomb near the corner, and Lunt was able to pick it up and go over unopposed, with Mangtellato adding his third conversion.
Neither side was able to get over the line in the second half, and the only score was a converted penalty by Mantellato after 55 minutes, when Mark Minichiello appeared to be penalised for a ball steal from Ben Cockayne.
Hull were clearly missing the kicking game of the absent Marc Sneyd, and they were unable to penetrate an impressive Hull KR defence with Campese superbly marshalling his side.
A full report and photos from this game will feature in Monday’s edition of Rugby League Express.
