Roughyeds' cup run comes to an end at Hull KR
Oldham Roughyeds' Betfred Challenge Cup run ended with a 40-0 defeat to Super League leaders Hull KR. Despite some encouraging moments, Oldham were undone by errors and Hull KR's superior quality, with the Robins scoring seven tries. Head coach Sean Long praised his team's effort but acknowledged costly mistakes. Oldham now prepare for a crucial Championship match against London Broncos.
Hull KR demolished Oldham 40-0 at Sewell Group Craven Park on Sunday, ending the Championship side’s Betfred Challenge Cup run with a seven-try masterclass that highlighted the gulf between Super League leaders and second-tier opposition.
The Roughyeds matched their top-flight hosts for periods but crumbled under sustained pressure, with Tom Davies, Jai Whitbread and Lee Kershaw crossing from scrum moves to establish a 16-0 first-half lead before injuries derailed Oldham’s resistance. Centre Iain Thornley’s departure forced Elijah Taylor into an unfamiliar role, and Oliver Gildart’s brace either side of the interval stretched the advantage to 28-0.
“We were in the fight, but a few individual errors cost us,” head coach Sean Long said after watching Jumah Sambou’s second-half try chalked off for a forward pass. “To go out there against the top of the table Super League team and have a real crack at them, I’m really proud of the lads.”
Bill Leyland’s interception score and Jack Broadbent’s late dummy-through effort completed the rout, though Long insisted his depleted squad could take heart ahead of Sunday’s crucial Championship clash against London Broncos at Boundary Park. “I told the lads that if they bottle that effort and defence against a well-oiled Super League machine and hold your gloves up then we won’t be far off,” he added.
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