Willie Poching: Hull KR can go seven from seven
Saturday 12 September 2015 21:33, UK
Hull Kingston Rovers assistant coach Willie Poching says his side are aiming to finish the Middle 8 qualifiers unbeaten.
Rovers secured their Super League status for next season with an impressive 48-4 victory at home to Bradford Bulls on Saturday - Kieran Dixon scoring four tries for the hosts as the home side ran out comfortable winners at the KC Lightstream Stadium.
Rovers have now won all five of their matches in the Middle 8s and, with only games against Sheffield and Salford to come, Poching is hoping to make it a clean sweep.
"Our goal is to go seven for seven," said the 42 year-old Kiwi after the game.
"We're proud to be five from five at the moment. It would be a shame not to finish in style. Today was about getting the win and we did that."
Rovers led the match 12-4 after the first half, but then went on to score 36 unanswered points in the second period to take a well-deserved victory. Poching believes his side's superior fitness came through after the break.
"Intensity is there week in, week out," he said.
"There is a big difference playing Hull KR, Salford, Wakefield and Widnes compared to playing Championship sides like Doncaster and Hunslet etc.
"The speed of game, and the physical demands take some getting used to. We got on a roll and maybe general fitness told in the end.
"In the second half of these games, Super League sides seem to roll the Championship sides away so it's obvious to look at fitness. But we had some quality in personal."
Bradford coach James Lowes admits he was disappointed in his team's second half performance.
"We were rubbish," Lowes said. "I take full responsibility for the defeat.
"It's not good enough and the buck stops with me. We got whipped against a good side and it could be another big score against Leigh if I don't get the players believing in themselves.
"The mental side of our game is not up to speed and there isn't a belief in ourselves when things go against us."
