Hull KR comfortably beat York 38-6

Hull KR moved closer to the top of Super League with a 38-6 win over struggling York Knights at Craven Park. Jon Bennison put York ahead in the fourth minute as they sought their first away win against the Robins since 1958. But that was where the visitors' success ended as Tom Davies, Mikey Lewis, Joe Burgess and James Batchelor sent the hosts into the break with a 22-6 lead. Rovers did not always play their best football but increased their lead through Davies, Jack Broadbent and Rhyse Martin, returning to winning ways after two successive league and cup defeats. York, who enjoyed a sensational win over the reigning champions to start the season, have fallen on hard times in recent weeks. After three defeats in their first four Super League matches, the Robins climbed to third place having won eight of their last nine matches. In contrast, York were unable to build on their successful start to the top flight and a tenth defeat in 11 matches left them just two points above finishing team Huddersfield Giants. Things got off to a pretty good start for the visitors when a short drop-out from Robins went straight to Bennison, who stormed back inside and scored under the crossbar. But the hosts' response was swift: Lewis created space for Davies, who rushed into the right corner. Davies was denied a second goal moments later when his spectacular one-time effort was disallowed for interference by video referee Cameron Worsley. The Robins weren't at their best but took the lead in the 24th minute when the ball was quickly passed to Lewis, who cleared the challenge and ran in for his 15th Super League goal this season. Powerful prop Tevita Pangai Junior made an immediate impact on debut as his first appearance helped the team and Lewis sent winger Burgess to the left corner for a goal. York tried to prevent further losses before the break, but another goal became a reality when Peta Hiku fed Batchelor, who slotted home. A second spectacular one-time goal from Davies this time came as the hosts extended their lead shortly after the break. The Robins temporarily lost their momentum when Lewis received treatment after being taken down badly on his knee, but continued to play. But the impressive Tyrone May got the game going again, breaking through the defense to send Broadbent under the crossbar before Martin completed a beautiful end-to-end combination.