Hull KR recovered from an early deficit to beat city rivals Hull FC 34-20 in a combative derby at the MKM Stadium, restoring their place in the play-off positions and extending their dominance over their neighbours.
Early shock for the Robins
Hull FC raced into a 12-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes after tries from Joe Batchelor and Davy Litten, with Zak Hardaker converting twice. The visitors, who have struggled for consistency this season, looked under early pressure but steadied and responded before half-time.
Robins rally to take control
Tom Amone and Arthur Mourgue brought Hull KR level by half-time. The second half saw Jack Broadbent’s score put the Robins ahead for the first time, and an extraordinary 95-metre intercept try from Joe Burgess gave them breathing room. Jake Arthur’s late score cut the deficit, but Jordan Dezaria powered over to seal the victory, as the Robins moved back into fifth in the table.
- Final score: Hull FC 20 – Hull KR 34
- Hull FC tries: Batchelor, D Litten, Arthur; Goals: Hardaker 4
- Hull KR tries: Amone, Mourgue, Broadbent, Burgess, Dezaria; Goals: Mourgue 7
Wider context and consequence
The result prolonged Hull KR’s superiority in the city rivalry — the Robins have now won nine successive derby matches — and marked a continuation of Hull FC’s difficult season, the club now having won just one of their last 11 games. For the visitors, the win was important for momentum and Premiership positioning; for the hosts it was another setback in a campaign that has produced successive defeats.
| Team | Tries | Goal Kicker |
|---|---|---|
| Hull FC | Batchelor; D Litten; Arthur | Zak Hardaker (4) |
| Hull KR | Amone; Mourgue; Broadbent; Burgess; Dezaria | Arthur Mourgue (7) |
The match also carried a personal note: it was Willie Peters’ final derby as Hull KR coach, and the result will be viewed as a fitting send-off in local terms. The Robins had returned from a narrow Magic Weekend victory earlier in the month and, despite recent league setbacks, showed resilience to overturn a nervous start.
For supporters and neutrals, the derby underlined the gulf in derby form despite mixed league results from both sides. Hull FC will need to address both defensive lapses and a run of poor form if they are to arrest their slide, while Hull KR will aim to turn derby momentum into a sustained push for the play-offs.
