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Hull KR vs Wakefield (H) 18 - 26 L |
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21/06/08
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New Craven Park
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Ashley Klein
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Wakefield Wildcats
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18 - 26
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Wakefield Trinity Wildcats mounted a stirring late comeback to pay
fitting tribute to the memory of David Topliss as they secured a
thrilling 26-18 win at play-off rivals Hull KR.
John Kear’s side, mourning the passing of club legend Topliss who died
on Monday, had trailed 18-4 with 11 minutes remaining but four late
scores from Brad Drew (2), Ryan Atkins and Jamie Rooney saw them end a
traumatic week on a high.
The result will leave the home side shell-shocked, as they appeared
well set to end run of three straight league defeats and rescue their
failing play-off bid.
As it was, Wakefield were able to galvanise themselves and produce a
fightback that their former player and coach would have been proud of.
Wearing black armbands embroidered with the name of the former Great
Britain player, Wakefield dominated the first half but the home side
found themselves ahead at the break after an edgy period, notable
mainly for a fine opening score from Damian Blanch and Clint Newton’s
close-range effort to poke Hull KR back in front.
The video referee Ian Smith had already denied Stanley Gene and Blanch
by the time the former Widnes winger edged Wakefield in front with a
sixth try in five games.
Gene was adjudged to have knocked-on when taking in Michael Dobson’s
pass whilst Blanch stepped in touch when finishing off a fine Wakefield
move - but there was no debating the validity of the score when he
collected a cute kick from Danny Brough above the head of Peter Fox
just shy of the 20-minute mark.
Despite an obvious rustiness in attack, Rovers did manage to fight
their way back into the game just before the interval, when Newton
notched a first try in eight games.
With Wakefield conceding 10 first-half penalties it was of little
surprise that they found themselves camped on their own line and Newton
eventually made them pay, albeit off a forward-looking pass from Ben
Cockayne. Paul Cooke punted the goal to secure a slender lead at the
hooter.
That lead was nearly increased six minutes into the second half when
Cockayne thought he had raced 40-metres clear to score, only for Ashley
Klein to pull the move back for a forward final pass from Gene.
Cockayne saved a certain four points moments later though, with an
outstanding cover tackle on Blanch after he had crept in to collect
another superb kick from Brough.
His efforts were soon rewarded at the other end, with Michael Vella
nipping in to finish off Chaz I’Anson’s clever pass, although Wakefield
may point to Klein’s accidental obstruction of the cover defender Matt
Blaymire as a reason.
Former Wakefield winger Fox, championed by his coach Justin Morgan to
make Tony Smith’s England squad on Monday, then appeared to have sealed
the game when he slid in to poach his 10th score of the campaign, with
Cooke adding a tricky touchline goal.
A close-range try from Brad Drew harnessed Wakefield though and when
Ryan Atkins bumped his way over from Brough’s ball they were only four
points behind with six minutes remaining.
And, to complete a stunning fightback, Rooney posted a match-winning
score after a Drew kick set Sam Obst free - then Drew completed the
drama with a late second. |
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Briscoe, Fox, J. Webster, Cockayne, Fitzhenry, Cooke, Dobson, Vella, Fisher, Mills, Newton, Gene, Chester.
Replacements: Crossman, Lovegrove, J. Netherton, I'Anson.
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Blaymire, Gleeson, Martin, Atkins, Blanch, Rooney, Brough, Wilkes, Obst, Sculthorpe, Golden, MacGillivray, Demetriou.
Replacements: Watene, Drew, Henderson, Moore
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