Rugby League Round-Up: Lights go out for Hull KR

PREDICTABLY mixed fortunes for Kingston upon Hull in the second round of the Regal Trophy yesterday. Hull KR were put in the shade by Wigan at Craven Park, but over at the Boulevard Hull subdued a Halifax fightback in a feisty encounter to reach the last eight.

The lights went out literally on Hull KR, who were trailing 18-0 when the floodlights failed with 90 seconds of the match remaining. The result will stand.

The first-half was tense, Andrew Farrar forcing his way over for a try after Frano Botica's early penalty to put Wigan 6-0 ahead at the break. After Mike Fletcher missed a penalty and Botica beat the wind and the bar to stretch Wigan's lead with his second penalty success, the match turned towards the visitors. Shaun Edwards sent in Dean Bell for a superb try in the corner and then wrapped it up with one of his own in the 67th minute.

The hooker Lee Jackson was the inspiration behind Hull's 28-14 victory over Halifax. His try 13 minutes into the second half turned the match Hull's way after Halifax had battled back with their Australian second-row forward, Mike McLean, bursting through for a try that Paul Bishop converted.

Tempers frayed, Jackson and Halifax's Karl Harrison and John Bentley visting the sin-bin, but the home side were steadied by a 60- yard move, finished off by James Grant, which put them 16-6 ahead. Greg Austin rallied Halifax with a try before Jackson struck and Matt Donkin score his first senior try.

Workington Town claimed the quarter-final place that the draw had reserved for a Third Division side by defeating Hunslet 34-12, while Leigh put paid to London Crusaders, and Widnes and Castleford cruised through.