Robins rock Wigan to go top
Hull KR's dream season continued as they ground out a hard-fought 20-12 triumph at Wigan to move to the top of Super League.
Last Updated: 16/05/09 5:09pm
Hull KR's dream season continued as they ground out a hard-fought 20-12 triumph at Wigan to move to the top of Super League.
The Robins twice found themselves behind, but responded admirably and produced a strong defensive display in the closing stages to hang on for victory.
Michael Dobson, Paul Cooke and Jake Webster all touched down for the visitors as Sean O'Loughlin's two tries for the Warriors ultimately proved in vain.
In truth Wigan could not really complain about tumbling to what is already a fifth home defeat of the campaign as their opponents dug in to defy not only them but also the treacherous conditions.
Rovers signalled their intent early on when second-rower Clint Newton broke clear and fed the supporting Dobson only for Wigan winger Amos Roberts to deny a try with a vital last-ditch tackle.
But the hosts made the most of that escape as they hit the front on six minutes, Tim Smith's fine pass releasing skipper O'Loughlin who beat former team-mate Shaun Briscoe before touching down.
Pat Richards converted, but that looked like being the only scoring of the first period only for Rovers to level up in injury-time.
The hooter sounded with substitute Daniel Fitzhenry held in a tackle just short of the Wigan line, but referee Richard Silverwood allowed play to continue and from the next play of the ball Dobson powered over much to the displeasure of the home fans - the same player converting to level the scores.
Fast start to second half
But Wigan restored their lead barely 90 seconds into the second period as Robins substitute Jason Netherton lost the ball following a big hit to hand the Warriors the ideal attacking platform.
Thomas Leuluai ensured they profited from it with a jinking run and offload to O'Loughlin who notched his second try, Ricahrds adding his second conversion.
But if the hosts were expecting that score to break their opponents' resistance they were sadly mistaken with Rovers turning the game on its head with two tries in the space of six minutes.
Their first owed much to fortune as Smith's attempted clearance was charged down allowing Cooke to react, kick on and collect before touching down.
Dobson's conversion tied the scores at 12-12 and Webster edged his side ahead as he skipped past George Carmont shortly afterwards for Rovers' third try.
At 18-12 Wigan predictably poured forward in search of a score to level the match, but the visitors held firm and relieved the pressure with a 40-20 kick from Dobson.
That allowed both Webster and Cooke the chance to drop goals, but while both were unsuccessful, Dobson had the last word as he landed a penalty to move his side out of reach and ultimately to victory.