Friendly fixture round-up
Hull KR have prevailed in their derby showdown with Hull FC while there was also wins for Wakefield, Featherstone, Swinton and Keighley today.
Tim Sheens got his spell as Hull KR head coach off to the best possible start as his side completed a 40-16 win over cross-city rivals Hull FC and collect the Clive Sullivan Trophy.
The former Australia coach named a full-strength squad for the derby, whilst opposing coach Lee Radford opted for a less-experienced line-up, although Albert Kelly proved a point by scoring against his former side in his first appearance in black and white.
A number of Rovers’ debutants made an immediate impression with Adam Quinlan, Jamie Ellis, Danny Addy, Andrew Heffernan and George Milton all scoring tries in their first appearances for the Robins.
17-year old Will Oakes scored a brace of tries for the Robins, with assistant coach Dave Hodgson, who announced his return from retirement earlier this week, also got on the scoresheet.
Along with Kelly’s first-half try, FC’s other scorers were Connor Bower and Mike Adlard.
Wakefield were pushed right to the limit at Dewsbury Rams, but the youthful Trinity side had the edge as the visitors recorded a 30-26 win at the Tetley’s Stadium.
18-year old James Batchelor scored a hat-trick for Trinity, whilst Elliott Caine grabbed a brace and Sam Blake got the sixth try for Chris Chester’s side.
Dewsbury’s tries came from Dale Morton, Hamish Barnes, Jason Crookes and Gareth Potts, who scored twice for the Rams.
Swinton Lions defeated Oldham 32-14 in an all-Championship clash. Matt Gardner Matt Sarsfield, Jack Murphy (2), Chris Hankinson and Andy Bracek all scoring for John Duffy’s victorious Lions.
Frankie Mariano scored two tries on his home debut as Featherstone Rovers completed a 52-6 win over League 1 side Hunslet RLFC.
Trialist Josh Hardcastle impressed Featherstone boss Jon Sharp with two tries, with Luke Briscoe also scoring a brace as the Championship side enjoyed a 10-try win.
Andy Gabriel scored four times for Keighley Cougars as the League 1 side completed a comprehensive 82-12 win over National Conference League Division One side Hunslet Warriors in Sunday’s other pre-season game.
A near full-strength Robins side was too strong for a Black & Whites team filled with young players.
Hull KR went to a 14-6 at half-time, Hull FC‘s only try coming from new signing Albert Kelly on debut.
Rovers finished as winners 40-16 with a dominant second half performance.
Keighley dominated Hunslet Warriors 82-12.
36-12 in front at the break, the Cougars piled on 46 more points in the second half.
Wakefield just edged Dewsbury 30-26.
Trinity fielded 12 players from their Under-19s, but managed to hold off a fast-finishing Rams outfit.
Swinton downed fellow Championship side Oldham 32-14 at Sale.
10-0 ahead at half-time, the Lions powered ahead after the break.
Featherstone defeated League 1 club Hunslet 52-6.
In the balance at the break, with Rovers 18-6 in front, the Championship team added six more times in the second 40.