Hull KR 10-8 Warrington Wolves – Robins reach first Super League Grand Final

With each side boasting a Man of Steel nominee in their ranks – in Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis and Warrington’s Matt Dufty – and just two points and one place separating the pair in the table after 27 regular-season games, the semi-final showdown promised much.

Batchelor gave the hosts a deserved lead in the 18th minute of a captivating tie, as he stretched out to finish after squirming free of two tacklers.

Warrington improved after the setback and had a Dufty try ruled out for obstruction on the half-hour mark, only to then go further behind in controversial circumstances.

Referee Liam Moore ruled that Burgess had managed to ground his effort after crashing over from close range, and despite it being sent to the television match official there was no conclusive video evidence to overrule the on-field call.

Ashton gave Warrington the ideal start to the second half, slamming the ball down for Wolves’ first try in the 46th minute having started the initial attack with a brilliant break and run.

And the lively winger had Wolves back within two points of the hosts as he took a Dufty pass on the left before diving over in the corner.

Josh Thewlis’ failure to land either conversion left the visitors still chasing the game with 20 minutes left, but Ashton’s 24th and 25th tries of the Super League campaign set up a tense and, at times, chaotic finish.

Hull KR’s defence worked tirelessly to keep the Wolves from snatching victory, though two chances went begging with a Thewlis try ruled out for a forward pass from Rodrick Tai, while a last-minute touchdown from Toby King failed to count as Dufty knocked-on before the winger collected the loose ball to scamper over.