Hull KR 10-40 Harlequins RL
Hull KR (4) 10
Tries: Gene, Wheeldon Goals: Dobson
Harlequins RL (24) 40
Tries: Randall, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Sharp (2), Howell (2), Melling Goals: Purdham, Orr (3), Melling (2)
 Randall set the ball rolling for the Quins with an impressive opener |
Harlequins produced a dominant first-half display to shock Hull KR and run out comfortable winners on Friday.
Chad Randall scored the first after a Matt Gafa punt and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook charged through for another.
Will Sharp scored a third, but Stanley Gene hit back for the Robins with a try that replays showed was knocked on.
David Howell touched down before Scott Wheeldon replied for Rovers, but tries by Chris Melling, a second for Sharp and a Howell score secured the win.
The win continued the Londoners' march up the Super League table and moved them to within a single point of Hull KR in second place.
A kick through the defence by Harlequins centre Matt Gafa set up the hosts' miserable evening with Randall storming through to stun the home defence with the opening score.
As the Robins defence wobbled, with Australian utility back Daniel Fitzhenry in particular struggling at the back, the Quins scored again before the clock had reached the 10-minute mark.
 | 606: DEBATE Really well done Harlequins, thoroughly deserved win, and good luck for the rest of the season roverinboro |
After a poor drop-out, Randall passed to McCarthy-Scarsbrook and the youngster made no mistake in piling over the line.
The only downside to their incredible start was an injury to captain Rob Purdham as Danny Orr took over the kicking responsibilities.
Rovers showed some resistance with a flowing move on 20 minutes but Jake Webster's throw fell behind the inexperienced full-back James Haynes with the try-line beckoning.
More sloppy discipline by the hosts combined with great build-up play by Randall led to Sharp making a great run down the left to dive over for another score, despite the close attentions of Haynes.
The Robins did though strike back and it was a try that arrived in controversial circumstances.
Gene came off the bench to slip through two defenders to touch down, but replays showed there had been a knock on. It was a decision that unbelievably was not referred to the video referee.
But any home supporters hoping the revival was under way then had to endure the sight of Howell grabbing the ball after a punt through from half-back Luke Gale to score a sucker-punch try just before half-time.
After 19 missed tackles in the first-half, the home team needed a quick turnaround and they began much brighter after the interval.
Following three penalties in 40 seconds, their pressure was rewarded with a score by Wheeldon, making a dazzling run after Ben Fisher's pass to score his first of the season.
Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly stifled with Sharp scoring his second of the game after a quick pass from Luke Williamson on the left wing.
Melling, the 24-year-old full-back who signed a two-year contract extension for the Quins last month, left the defence standing once again to run through and pile more misery onto the home support.
And as the fans made their way for the exit, Howell had the energy to carve open the defence to dive over for his second and finish off a very impressive performance by the visitors.
Hull KR coach Justin Morgan: "It was a lethargic performance from us.
"I think ultimately most probably lots of changes to our team and having to make lots of changes during the game didn't help us get any confidence that we might be lacking.
"I've got a lot of respect for Brian and Quins and they thoroughly deserve to be where they are on the ladder.
"They had some personnel missing as well so hats off to them for coming here ready to play and they just had a bit more desire than we did in the first half. We were never in the game."
Harlequins coach Brian McDermott: "The boys stuck to it well. It was going to be difficult on a Friday night on telly with a big crowd and a lot of emotion.
"But I thought the boys had a real professional, clinical performance. We got a bit loose but we're not after 10 out of 10 at this stage of the year.
"It wasn't faultless and you have to bear in mind that Hull KR had a few blokes out. They had the whole of their back three out so put it in perspective, we played a depleted team.
"But I don't want to drag too much credit away from our team that's also depleted with a few of our forwards out and Luke Dorn has broke his leg."
Hull KR: Fitzhenry, I'Anson, Webster, Welham, Haynes, Cooke, Dobson, Fozzard, Murrell, Wheeldon, Newton, Walker, Galea.
Replacements: Gene, Fisher, Aizue, Netherton.
Harlequins RL: Wells, Melling, Gafa, Howell, Sharp, Orr, Gale, Temata, Randall, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Golden, Williamson, Purdham.
Replacements: Kaye, Heckenberg, Thompson, Gardner.
Referee: P Bentham (Warrington)
