Hull KR book their place in Challenge Cup semi-finals with impressive win over Salford

Hull KR became the first team to book their place in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup following an impressive 28-10 win over Salford at Craven Park.

Salford coach Paul Rowley made just one change to his side that won at Castleford last Friday night, with Joe Burgess replacing Rhys Williams on the wing.

Meanwhile, injuries forced Hull KR coach Willie Peters into a number of changes. Jack Walker, Sam Wood, Corey Hall, Jordan Abdull and Luis Johnson came out of the side.

Louis Senior, Tom Opacic, Rowan Milnes, Dean Hadley and Zenon Tanguy came in for the Robins, with the latter making his debut having arrived on loan from Catalans Dragons earlier this week.

The Robins were 18-0 to the good at the break thanks to first half tries from Ryan Hall, Zenon and Kane Linnett.

Tim Lafai pulled one back for Salford in the second half but it was Hull KR’s day as they posted further tries through Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Dean Hadley to wrap up the win.

Hull KR make the perfect start

It was a dream start from Hull KR, who scored inside the opening four minutes as Hall wrestled his way over following a slick offload from Linnett.

France international Zenon scored a debut try in the 21st minute, with half-back Milnes converting to give his side a 12-0 lead.

The Robins were dealt a blow on the half hour mark though. Elliot Minchella was sent to the sin bin for catching Salford prop Jack Ormondroyd high in a tackle.

Peters’ side took an 18-0 lead into the changing rooms thanks to a try from Scotland international Linnett late on in the first half.

The Robins 18-0 ahead at the break

Samoa star Lafai pulled one back for the Red Devils at the start of the second half following a powerful carry from Burgess, but Marc Sneyd couldn’t convert.

Hull KR captain Kenny-Dowall, who will retire at the end of the season, extended his side’s lead on the hour as he made the most of a Milnes kick.

Robins prop Sam Luckley left the field in the 64th minute for a head injury assessment.

The home side secured their place in the semi-finals when Hadley latched onto a neat grubber from Milnes, which saw Hull KR lead 28-4 with 13 minutes remaining.

The impressive Burgess scored a consolation try for the Red Devils late on but it was the Robins who finished 28-10 winners.

Hull KR will discover their semi-final opponents when the draw is made on Sunday afternoon.

Hull KR: Zenon; Senior, Opacic, Kenny-Dowall, Hall; Lewis, Milnes; King, Litten, Luckley, Hadley, Linnett, Minchella. Subs: Parcell, Kennedy, Storton, Aydin. 18th man: Johnson.

Tries: Hall, Zenon, Linnett, Kenny-Dowall, Hadley Goals: Milnes 4

Salford: Brierley; Sio, Cross, Lafai, Burgess; Croft, Sneyd; Dupree, Atkin, Vuniyayawa, Watkins, Stone, Partington. Subs: Bourouh, Ormondroyd, Sidlow, Hellewell. 18th man: Costello.

Tries: Lafai, Burgess Goals: Sneyd 1

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