Hull KR suffer injury blow with forward stretchered from the field

Drew Darbyshire
James Batchelor Hull KR News Images

Photo: Gareth Evans/News Images

Hull KR were dealt a blow when forward James Batchelor was was stretchered from the field in their Magic Weekend clash with Salford.

The 25-year-old left the action 25 minutes in to their Magic match against Salford after being knocked out when making a tackle.

Play was suspended for around five to 10 minutes whilst he received received support from the medical staff before leaving the field on a stretcher.

Sky Sports reported during the game that Batchelor would be going to hospital for what they said was a precautionary scan on a neck injury.

Match report

It was a good start for Hull KR, who opened the scoring in the 13th minute after Elliot Minchella showed good support play following a break from Batchelor.

Salford hit back midway through the first half as a break from Man of Steel Brodie Croft saw the supporting Joe Burgess race over the line.

Batchelor left the action on a stretcher in the 25th minute, receiving a warm reception from all supporters in St James’ Park.

The Red Devils took the lead on the half hour mark thanks to a penalty goal from Marc Sneyd.

Hull KR went back into the lead in the latter stages of the first half as George King used his strength to power over the line, with Lachlan Coote adding the extras.

Sneyd added another penalty goal just before the break, but it was Hull KR who took a narrow 12-10 lead into the half-time interval.

Hull KR ahead at the break

Sneyd slotted a third penalty goal on the hour to tie the score at 12-12.

Hull KR were dealt a blow in the 62nd minute when Dean Hadley was sent to the sin bin for a late hit on Sneyd. As a result, Sneyd kicked a penalty goal to edge his side into a 14-12 lead, which was his 1,000 career goal.

Robins suffer further injury blows

Salford had a man sin-binned in the shape of Deon Cross in the 65th minute after a high hit on Lachlan Coote, who left the field for a head injury assessment, which he failed. The Robins also lost prop Sauaso Sue in the second half with what looked like a leg injury.

The Robins went in front just moments later thanks to an acrobatic finish in the corner from Ryan Hall.

But Hull KR’s lead didn’t last long as Ken Sio raced over following a superb break from Ryan Brierley, with Sneyd converting to put his side 20-16 ahead.

Paul Rowley’s side sealed the win four minutes from time thanks a try from Chris Atkin, which was again converted by Sneyd.

Salford finished 26-16 winners in the first match of Magic Weekend in Newcastle.

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