TRIES to Ryan Shaw and Adam Quinlan, from Culburra Beach, weren’t quite enough for a Hull Kingston Rovers side, who lost out late (20-11) against the reigning Super League Champions Leeds at the weekend.
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Despite the wet conditions in West Yorkshire, the Robins flew out of the blocks, dominating the early proceedings against the Rhinos before smart handling saw Shaw and Quinlan go over in the space of five first half minutes.
Leeds responded with quick-fire tries from Adam Cuthbertson and Jimmy Keinhorst to level the scores at 10 points apiece going into the break, but a Chris Atkin drop-goal edged Rovers ahead early in the second period.
Despite pushing hard for a third try to increase their lead to a decisive two scores, it was the home side who finished the stronger with Keinhorst’s second and third scores sealing Leeds’ win at the death.
“After the game I complimented the side on how far we’d come from last season, let alone last week,” Hull coach Tim Sheens said.
“I was very proud of their efforts out there, in tough conditions.
“I thought our defence was pretty good, but we had a couple of rough calls and one disgraceful one where Chris Clarkson was obstructed for their third try.
“We had good ball in good field position, but we didn’t play with enough rhythm.
“I was happy that we played with just one interchange in the first half, and that was losing Heffernan, so I’m confident that we’re a fit and strong side, but ultimately their class just got them over the line.
“The Heffernan one was a bit disappointing because he was hit in the head. He was going down, but it was still contact with the head.
“We kicked really well, and it was the reverse of last week. We had no ball early last week, but this week our kicking game was much better.
“I brought Chris in for his kicking game, and I thought he did well. Danny and Chris both picked up knocks.
I thought he kicked well, ran the ball well and really took the heat off Danny.
“We need to work on the combination more, but he took to it well tonight and I think we’ll be better across the board next week.”
This loss follows up an opening round defeat to Wakefield Trinity 28-6.
Fullback Quinlan and his squad will next play Catalans Dragons at KCOM Craven Park on Thursday.
