Super League Round Nine Review

The First Utility Super League entered its ninth round last weekend, and after the tough Easter schedule, all sides were looking to enter into the second part of the season with a victory. This week saw Leeds beaten once more, while high flyers Widnes suffered their third successive defeat.

Hull KR 30-10 Leeds (Friday)

In the first of this week's ties, Hull KR, full of renewed vigour since the return of both Terry Campese and Shaun Lunt, overpowered the struggling Leeds Rhinos, who suffered their seventh loss of the season. The latter scored a brilliant brace of tries to give Hull KR the lead, before Kieran Dixon raced away with unstoppable pace to add to the advantage.

Lunt inspires Rovers win over Rhinos

Shaun Lunt was once more the architect of his side's play, breaking through the Rhinos defence before passing inside to Ben Cockayne who put his side further ahead. The away side did record some points, as both Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Carl Ablett crossed, but it wasn't enough to stop the Robins, who put the game to bed through simple scores from Mitch Allgood and Robbie Mulhern.

St Helens 16-17 Hull FC (Friday)

Marc Sneyd snatched both points for Hull FC against St Helens with a magnificent drop goal to record his side's fourth straight win in the Super League. St Helens took the lead through Joe Greenwood, before Danny Houghton levelled for the visitors. The home side then went two tries in front thanks to efforts from Matty Dawson and Jordan Turner.

Sneyd drop goal seals win for Hull FC

The Black and Whites brought the game to a standstill once more, as Curtis Naughton and Kirk Yeaman made it three tries a-piece. Marc Sneyd then received the ball and sent the ball arching through the air, watching it sail through the sticks to win the away side the game.

Wigan 16-28 Warrington (Friday)

In the third of Friday's games, Warrington returned to winning ways after the defeat to Hull FC by defeating Wigan at the DW Stadium. The away side opened the scoring through Ben Currie, before quick-fire tries from wingers Tom Lineham and Kevin Penney followed. Wigan then reduced the arrears through the first of a hat-trick for winger Dom Manfredi.

An eight-point try from Stefan Ratchford and a Ryan Atkins score all but ended Wigan's fightback. Shaun Wane's men did score two more tries, though, as Dom Manfredi added a brace to complete a brilliant hat-trick, but the winger's efforts were in vain as Warrington took the spoils with 28-16 victory.

Wakefield 32-18 Salford (Saturday)

Newly appointed Wakefield coach Chris Chester continued his honeymoon period as his side recorded their third straight Super League win with victory over Salford. Wildcats winger Tom Johnstone stole the show, tallying a hat-trick in a fantastic all-round performance. The home side took an early 12-0 lead, as Michael Sio and Jacob Miller crossed within seven minutes. Salford levelled as Gareth O'Brien dummied his way through the Wakefield defence, before turning provider for Matt Sarsfield to go over.

Tom Johnstone took his side in front once more with a fantastic brace, the latter of his tries saw him leave Salford full-back Gareth O'Brien on the deck with brilliant footwork. Salford's Justin Carney and Wakefield's Reece Lyne both went over, before Tom Johnstone sealed the win for the home side, completing a wonderful hat-trick.

Catalan 21-8 Widnes (Saturday)

In the second of Saturday's ties, Catalan slumped Widnes to their third loss in succession at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. The away side weren't helped by losing both Setaimata Sa and Charly Runciman throughout the day. Catalan winger Pat Richards gave Laurent Frayssinous' side the advantage in the fourth minute, but no other scores came in the first period.

Vincent Duport extended his team's advantage in the second period, before depleted Widnes, with numerous youngsters out on the field, fought back admirably through Corey Thompson and a Rhys Hanbury penalty kick. Prop Dave Taylor restored the Dragons' lead, before Thomas Bosc's drop goal and another score from Eloi Pelissier secured the home side both points.

Castleford 38-34 Huddersfield (Sunday)

In Sunday's only Super League game, Castleford fought back from a losing position to keep Huddersfield in bottom position. Both Jermaine McGillvary and Jy Hitchcox scored hat-tricks for each side. Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe gave his side the lead, before Mike McMeeken levelled for Castleford. Greg Minikin scored for Castleford, before opposite number Jermaine McGillvary also scored.

Hitchcox hat-trick helps Tigers to win over Giants

Jy Hitchcox tallied his first of the afternoon on the stroke of half time, but McGillivray bagged a brace shortly after the restart. Mike McMeeken and Leroy Cudjoe then exchanged tries, before Sam Rapira added another Huddersfield score. Hitchcox got his brace, and Jake Webster added a further effort for the home side. But the final scores of the game came as Hitchcox and McGillivray scored their third tries of the game.

Words by Jonny Whitfield

(Photos: Super League)

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28