Rovers hold off Saints

Late penalty condemns St Helens to opening defeat

Last updated: 10th February 2008

jake webster

Webster: match winner

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Jake Webster's 73rd-minute penalty secured a thrilling 24-22 victory for Hull Kingston Rovers over St Helens at Craven Park.

The match ended in controversial fashion when Steve Tyrer missed a last-minute penalty for Saints and play was allowed to continue after the hooter with Matt Gidley crossing the line only for the try to be ruled out for a Lee Gilmour pass after the tackle had been completed.

Rovers scored early tries through Webster, Daniel Fitzhenry and Clint Newton to lead 16-0 after 27 minutes.

Webster finished off a neat run-around move, Fitzhenry - who had earlier had a try ruled out for stepping into touch - touched down after plucking Scott Murrell's kick out of the air, and Newton was sent in by Chev Walker's one-handed offload.

That advantage was reduced to 10 points at the break after replacement hooker Keiron Cunningham crossed in the 33rd minute to get St Helens on the board. Tyrer added the extras.

Rovers got their fourth try at the start of the second half when full-back Shaun Briscoe held off the attentions of Leon Pryce and Tyrer to finish off a move started by Murrell's break. Murrell slotted the conversion to open a 22-6 lead.

Comeback

But Saints responded strongly, a missed tackle allowing Chris Flannery to get the fightback underway with a 53rd-minute try, again converted by Tyrer.

Paul Clough put further pressure on Rovers five minutes later when he took advantage of Paul Wellens' superb offload, but this time the conversion attempt sailed wide.

However, Tyrer did level the scores at 22-22 on 68 minutes by converting his own try after being sent across the whitewash by Sean Long.

But Webster's penalty seven minutes from time ensured it was Rovers who secured the victory.