Magic Weekend: Hodgson snatches stunning victory
A stunning late score by David Hodgson earned Hull KR the derby spoils in a thrilling end to the first day of the Magic Weekend.
Rovers fought back from 30-16 to earn the two points against arch rivals Hull FC, but it wasn’t without controversy, with many fans and pundits pointing to an apparent forward pass, missed by referee Steve Ganson, in the build-up to one of their comeback tries.
Head Coach Craig Sandercock said: “There aren’t too many occasions in your coaching career where you win games in the last minute like that.
“It’s something I’ll cherish, and the boys will as well. We’ve worked very hard during the past few months and we did cop a bit of stick last time we played them (Hull FC) so to come through the other side, have that kind of belief and never give up was special.
“Even at 30-16 down I thought if we continued to complete our sets then anything was possible if we could get a couple of tries.
“I’m very proud and couldn’t have asked for anything more from my boys.”
The two sides exchanged two tries each in the first half hour, before Willie Manu‘s score gave Hull the edge at half-time at 18-12.
Hodgson’s first try moved Rovers within two, but tries from Tony Martin and Jordan Turner moved the Airlie Birds 14 points to the good.
Sam Latus gave Rovers hope with 12 points left on the clock, and when Michael Dobson went over for a converted score on 72 minutes, the fans had hope.
The red and whites moved the ball left and Hodgson was able to hold off a couple of defenders and win the foot race to the corner to steal a stunning victory.
Hull coach Peter Gentle said: “We scored 30 points and that should be enough to win any game, but we knew Hull KR were dangerous with the ball and we gave them too many opportunities.
“It is okay turning up in terms of effort, but we have to be smarter than that. We squandered it, but if we don’t learn anything from today’s game, it’s pointless pulling on a jersey next week.”
The win lifts Hull KR in the play-off places, four points behind their city rivals.