Our Reserves stared their season against a strong Hull KR side, in a physical encounter...
First Half
It was a tough opening first quarter, with both sides exchanging some physical contacts as they searched for an opener in the game. The Robins came close, but some great goal-line defence kept the Rovers out.
The 25th minute saw the Saints take the lead, as their effort in defence paid off with a full-length effort to get the first score of the game. A strong carry from Dayon Sambou 1o metres in front of his own line saw him burst through the KR defence, and race away to score under the posts. Kian McGann stepped up, and converted the score to put the Saints ahead, 6-0.
The Robins replied shortly after, crossing over on the half hour mark. A flat ball at the line saw the Rovers break down field, seeing Leo Tennison running away to score next the posts despite the efforts from Reilly Cosgrove at the back. Louix Gorman converted, levelling the score, 6-6.
Four minutes later, the Rovers would take the lead. A six again on the Saints line allowed for a full set attacking the Saints, and on the fourth tackle the ball went to the left and a cut out ball to Lewis Wing seen him cross over in the corner. Gorman converted from the sideline, putting the Rovers into the lead by a converted score at the break, 6-12.
Second Half
Seven minutes into the second half saw Hull KR cross over for another score. A penalty for an alleged late hit on Danny Richardson as he kicked the ball saw the Rovers start there set in the Saints 20 metre area. A carry towards the line from Leon Ruan saw him crash and spin over to score in the left corner. Gorman converted from close to the sideline, to further the lead, 6-18.
But the Saints responded just three minutes later. An error from Hull KR after a great tackle from kick-off allowed the Saints to start a set in Rovers’ territory. A shift right saw Sambou just get over in the corner to score his second. McGann’s conversion just went wide from the side-line, reducing the lead to eight points, 10-18.
The 62nd mark saw Hull KR extend their lead further. A shift to the right saw the Robins play out the back, and a ball to Lee Kershaw saw him just get over in the corner to score. Gorman couldn’t convert from the sideline, 10-22.
A change in momentum saw the Saints force a few repeat sets and allowed for some pressure to be applied on the Hull KR line. On the 74th minute, Jake Burns finally broke the line to score and get the Saints back in the game. A scout from dummy-half saw him charge towards the line and get over to score. McGann converted from right of the posts, getting the Saints within 6 of levelling the score, 16-22.
A poor response to a deep Hull KR kick-off saw the Robins given a great opportunity to seal the game. An attack to the right saw Ruan receive the ball and charge to the line, despite the efforts of the Saints, a quick configuration between referee and touch-judge, he was perceived to have grounded the ball. Gorman converted the try to wrap up the game, and see Hull KR secure the victory in Round 1, 16-28.
Our Reserves are back in action next Saturday, as they face the Wigan Warriors at Robin Park at 12pm, in what will be a rematch of last year’s Reserves Grand Final.
Match Summary
Saints Team: 16. Reilly Cosgrove, 2. Elliot Jamieson, 3. Jonathon Vaughan, 4. Matthew Penketh, 5. Dayon Sambou, 23. Ben Davies, 7. Kian McGann, 24. Sam Oakes, 9. Jake Burns, 10. Leon Cowen, 11. Harvey Braddish, 17. Jake Davies, 13. Cole Marsh.
Bench: 12. Alfie Tate, 14. Tom Humphreys, 15. Billy Keeley, 18. Matthew Evans.
18th Man: 1. Oliver Garmston.
Tries: Dayon Sambou (25, 50), Jake Burns (74).
Goals: Kian McGann (2/3)
Hull KR Team: 1. Louix Gorman, 2. Lee Kershaw, 3. Ryan Moses, 19. Connor Barley, 5. Lewis Wing, 21. Lennie Ellis, 7. Danny Richardson, 32. Jack Brown, 29. Bill Leyland, 27 Eribe Doro, 34. Ajahni Wallace, 12. Leon Ruan, 28. Jack Fishwick.
Hull KR Bench: 14. Jacob Parkinson, 16. Aaron Powell, 17. Frankie Dearlove, 23. Leo Tennison.
18th Man: 33. Hayden Todd.
Tries: Leon Ruan (47, 77), Leo Tennison (30), Lewis Wing (34), Lee Kershaw (62).
Goals: Louix Gorman (4/5)
HT: 6-12
FT: 16-28
