Hull KR 26-22 Halifax: Rovers edge their Qualifiers opener

Match Stats: Hull KR 26-22 Halifax

Hull KR tries: Moss (2), Marsh, Lawler, Scruton
Goals: Ellis (3)

Halifax tries: Heaton (4)
Goals: Tyrer (3)

Match report

Hull KR overcame a major scare to edge Halifax 26-22 in a thrilling Super 8s Qualifiers opener at KCOM Craven Park.

In-form Halifax secured their place in the Qualifiers by beating Championship leaders Hull KR on the final day of the regular season and Ben Heaton's four tries left them on course for another stunning victory.

But Rovers dug deep to overturn a 22-14 deficit and make a winning start in their bid for an immediate return to Super League.

There was no sign of the drama to come when full-back Kieren Moss crossed twice in the opening seven minutes and Matty Marsh cancelled out Heaton's 10th-minute try to give Rovers a 14-6 lead.

But Heaton completed his hat-trick before the half-hour mark and then went over again in the early stages of the second half to leave Hull KR chasing the match.

George Lawler's converted try made it a two-point game heading into the closing stages and Nick Scruton touched down six minutes from time to deny Fax a famous win.

Match reaction

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