Craven Park

Hull Kingston Rovers 26-16 Leeds Rhinos

20th September 2024

Despite the fact (or perhaps because) it was the final round of regular Super League season matches, there was still a deal riding on this game.  Although Wigan Warriors had the previous evening, wrapped up the League Leader's Shield, Hull Kingston Rovers could with a win, pin down second spot - ensuring a home play-off semi final.  Leeds, for their part, could still theoretically sneak into the play-offs with a victory.  Albeit also requiring a couple of other results to go their way.

And the visitors set about their hosts with gusto early on, deservedly opening the scoring in the 17th minute through Rhyse MARTIN.  Although Matty STORTON's converted try put KR into the lead a few minutes later, by the half-hour Leeds were back in front following Alfie EDGELL's score.

However, the young full-back turned sinner moments before the break, spilling an admittedly awkward-looking up-and-under (c Eddie Waring) into the gleeful arms of Peta HIKU.  Thus did the teams turnaround on parity at 10-10, when really Leeds should have built up a healthy-sized lead given their dominance of the first period.

Unfortunately for the visitors, they were made to pay for their failure to turn their fine first-half display into points, for Rovers pretty much ran over the top of them in the second-half, winding up 26-16 winners.

So, for Leeds, another fruitless season.  Whilst KR progress to the play-offs.

This was the first time I became aware of the East v West Hull rivalry.  Apparently, if one is born east of the River Hull, Kingston Rovers are your team.  Born on the other side, then you support Hull RFC.  I also learned just how large a city Hull actually is.  I had naively assumed I would be able to walk to Craven Park from my accommodation near the Fiveways Roundabout in the west of the city.  A notion promptly jettisoned when Google Maps informed me a two-hour plod would be required.

I have no idea why there was a big frog outside Craven Park.

 

"West Hull.  Enter at Your Own Risk"    😁

Craven Streat (sic) lies behind the temporary stand.
Loadsa food'n'drink options.

I went for the minted lamb burger from the LoveHogRoast stall.

Above and below - much pre-match crooning in evidence.

 

Not fog, just the remnants from the pre-match pyrotechnics.

Panorama of Craven Park, Hull.

The main stand at Craven Park is named for Roger Millward,
who played for the club from 1966-1980, winning both the Championship
and Challenge Cup with Hull KR during this period.

The temporary South Stand.

Craven Park really was bouncing this evening and, with the mad lot standing on the East terracing in full voice throughout, the atmosphere was quite something.  I only just managed to get a ticket in the temporary South stand which, I learned, had been specifically erected for this match.  (And the upcoming play-off semi-final, I assume).

Hull Kingston Rovers (or The Robins, as they occasionally known) have never been crowned Champions during the Super League era (which began in 1996).  But, after my enjoyable experience this evening, I shall be rather hoping 2024 will be their season.