Star Sport
Saints trail 24-20 at half time
4:02pm Sunday 19th February 2012
SAINTS have gone in at half time trailing Hull KR 24-20 at Craven Park.
It was quite a turnaround with Saints appearing to find it too easy in chalking up three unanswered tries in the first 14 minutes.
But that 14-0 lead soon became a 18-14 deficit, with both sides then swapping scores to send Rovers in contented at the break.
Saints were quick off the mark when Sia Soliola crashed through from close range on six minutes after a good initial run from Anthony Laffranchi.
Foster missed the goal.
But Saints were soon back for more when after a burst down the left, in which Foster did well to keep in play, the ball was shifted back right where Michael Shenton capped his return to action by polishing off a fine piece of play.
Foster again missed the goal – this one hitting the upright.
Saints had the bit between their teeth, with Soliola putting himself about in attack and defence.
On 14 minutes, Saints crossed again when James Roby picked up from dummy half and scampered home from 15 metres, Foster goaling.
It was all going perfectly, with Saints really into a good groove of football and then Chris Flannery had the ball dislodged in the tackle and the momentum changed.
Rovers pressed and at gthe end of the set Scott Murrell slid the ball through for Davis Hodgson to race on to. Craig Hall goaled from out wide and then slotted the next one after Con Mike rampaged over from close range.
Rover took the lead for the first time when Shannon McDonnell won the race to a kick from half way line to just about touch down.
But back Saints came, with a clever pass from Lance Hohaia sendin Chris Flannery into ahole without a finger being laid on him. Foster goaled to make it 20-18.
But six minutes before the break, another wicked grubber was chased by Josh Hodgson to give the Robins the lead at the break.
Hull KR: Shannon McDonnell; Craig Hall, Kris Welham, Jake Webster, David Hodgson; Rhys Lovegrove, Scott Murrell; Joel Clinton, Lincoln Withers, Mickey Paea, Con Mika, Graeme Horne, Liam Watts. Subs: Scott Wheeldon, Scott Taylor, Josh Hodgson, Jordan Cox.
Saints: Paul Wellens; Ade Gardner, Michael Shenton, Francis Meli, Jamie Foster; Lance Hohaia, Jonny Lomax; Anthony Laffranchi, James Roby, Tony Puletua, Chris Flannery, Sia Soliola, Jon Wilkin. Subs: Josh Perry, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Andrew Dixon, Gary Wheeler.