Sharp KO of KR by Knights (From York Press)

Sharp KO of KR by Knights

8:40am Saturday 16th January 2010 in

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YORK City Knights enjoyed a satisfying night at Huntington Stadium with a 28-6 friendly victory over Hull KR.

James Ratcliffe’s men scored five tries, restricted the opposition – albeit only an academy team from the Super League outfit – to just one consolation, and generally showed glimpses of form that bodes well for 2010.

It was hard for fans to tell who the newcomers in the side were given that the numbers on the backs of the new away shirts were written in white on a white background – club officials have said this will be improved. But there was enough on show, especially in the second half, to suggest the Knights, captained for the night by loose-forward Richard Blakeway, are shaping up nicely.

There were good early drives from props Nathan Freer and Alex Benson – and even better ones later on from big substitute Brett Waller – while decent defence held up Rovers prop Dominic Dee on the last tackle and held firm again after a 40-20 gave Rovers good field position.

Too much ball was turned over throughout the first half, however, which prevented the Knights building any momentum until a bit of Super League class got them on the scoreboard.

Chris Thorman’s superb little pass got Danny Hill racing through, and Danny Ratcliffe was up in support to finish well.

Utility ace Lee Waterman gave further evidence he could successfully occupy a berth in the inside backs with solid defence and his turn of pace – good signs for the club given that centre Ian Bell might not be around much longer.

Waterman also combined strength and skill to superbly set up young Jonathan Schofield for a second try. Waterman added one conversion, while scrum-half Schofield had a far better spell than in the Christmas friendly against the York Select XIII until being replaced by Casey Bromilow after half an hour, the Aussie showing a nippiness as he quickly settles into his new surroundings.

The Knights failed to deal with both restarts, however, to lose possession, and indeed didn’t look too confident fielding kicks all half. But that good defence on their own line made up for it, while Rovers lost possession just as cheaply as the Knights did.

Luke Helliwell showed well after replacing hooker Joe McLocklan – who had nearly opened the scoring earlier when held up over the try-line – though it was Thorman who set up the next try, six minutes after half-time.

His decent run, from a long pass by new half-back partner Bromilow, took the Knights close down the right and centre Mike Mitchell – whose solid performance further suggested Bell might not be missed – went in from dummy-half, finishing excellently albeit through lacklustre defence. Thorman took over the goal-kicking duties, ending with three.

The Knights tidied up ball retention, too, and crossed again, this time down the left. Bromilow was involved, shaping to kick before passing along the line, sub Kris Peacock finishing well.

A rampaging run from Mark Applegarth then warmed the cold stadium – before an even better run by Ratcliffe brought about the try of the night.

The full-back collected a kick ten yards from his own line and breezed down the left wing. Wayne Reittie flew up in support and juggled the pass on the run before diving into the corner.

The Knights missed further late chances, and Rovers got consolation through Ben Hardcastle – who broke his leg in the corresponding fixture last year – with Dee converting.

Knights: Ratcliffe, Reittie, Mitchell, Waterman, Stancliffe, Thorman, Schofield, Freer, McLocklan, Benson, Ross, Hill, Blakeway. Subs (all used): Bromilow, Peacock, Waller, Applegarth, Clough, D Wilson, Clarke, Helliwell.

Hull KR: Everitt, Bowering, Powley, J Wilson, Snowden, Hardcastle, Gay, Green, Powley, Dee, Charlton, Johnson, Petersen. Subs (all used): Ollett, Salter, Moore, Gibb, Richardson, Sheriff.

Referee: Robert Hicks. Attendance: 444.