Hull KR are through to the Challenge Cup fourth round after defeating a pugnacious York Knights outfit 2-44. It wasn't a vintage Hull KR performance; in fact, there's plenty to work on after some pretty average moments, but their class was also on show too as they secured a comfortable passage to the last 16.

Nobody expected Rovers to hit their best form here. No side will. It is to be expected that balls will go to ground and plays won't come off. And at times, they played some great stuff too. At others, there was a lack of discipline that Willie Peters won't be happy with.

It's all in context, though, because Rovers backed up those errors and didn't concede a try against a very capable York team. That can't go unnoticed. There were enough promising elements to work with to temper the faults that can be worked on. Eight tries isn't bad going either when you could describe them as sloppy with the ball.

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Rovers entered the Challenge Cup a round earlier than usual as part of a revamped format that manufactured ties pitting Super League clubs away from home against lower-league opponents. This was a great example of why it was done. York recorded their highest-ever attendance here, aided by more than 2,000 away supporters, who all got to experience a new venue.

There was a classic cup atmosphere too and it's fair to say that York played up to the occasion. The Knights were magnificent, particularly in the first quarter, and it was hard to argue that they deserved a 2-0 lead early.

Micky McIlorum was one of four debutants for Rovers alongside Tom Davies, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Rhyse Martin, but he didn't cover himself in glory early after being penalised while Rovers were in possession after a skirmish with Paul McShane. The York hooker tackled his counterpart marginally late but McIlorum's reaction was penalised. That allowed former Robin Will Dagger to kick the hosts ahead inside the opening five minutes.

That enthused York, who showed tremendous defensive resolve and caused Rovers problems with the ball, their confidence growing with every minute they held their lead.

It would eventually be overturned by, who else, Mikey Lewis. A shift play to the left saw Rovers create numbers and Lewis was able to go it alone, diving in at the corner for the opening try of the game on 22 minutes.

Martin was unable to convert with a heavy wind against him but he only had to wait six minutes for his first points. Lewis was the architect, changing the pace of the attack and producing a flat pass that allowed the Papua New Guinea captain to crawl to the line before tagging on the extras.

When Peta Hiku scored four minutes later, swatting off a couple of defenders for a solo score, Rovers had managed to establish a 14-point lead in ten minutes. As a result, they were able to breathe a little easier at half-time.

Rovers would score first after the break. A handling error and a subsequent penalty put the visitors in position and from there, Evalds and Hiku were able to combine to put Davies away for a first try in red and white, again converted by Martin.

The Robins had a sloppy period after that, making three handling errors, conceding two penalties and a six again in quick succession. That will not have pleased Peters, but the fact they didn't concede after that will.

And Rovers would then add to the margin between the teams. May, who was terrific, put Hiku through a gap and while Evalds was eventually put down, May swung the ball to the other edge and Lewis was able to put Martin away for his second.

Two classy tries followed. Jez Litten scorched through after a blazing scoot before drawing the fullback and letting Evalds score under the sticks. Evalds then added an assist to his performance after a set play saw Lewis and May combine to send Evalds sprinting clear, and he gave the ball back to Lewis to score under the sticks.

Kelepi Tanginoa ended the scoring as May got involved again, producing a classy ball that allowed the back-rower to hit a hole to score. Martin converted to end the night with six goals from eight attempts.

YORK KNIGHTS: Will Dagger, Joe Brown, Kieran Buchanan, Oli Field, Myles Harrison, Ata Hingano, Liam Harris, Jack Martin, Paul McShane, Jordan Thompson, Jesse Dee, Connor Bailey, Jacob Gannon. Subs: Brenden Santi, Jack Teanby, Sam Cook, Conor Fitzsimmons.

Goals: Dagger 1/1

HULL KR: Niall Evalds, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Micky McIlorum, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, James Batchelor, Rhyse Martin, Elliot Minchella. Subs: Jez Litten, Dean Hadley, Jai Whitbread, Jack Brown.

Tries: Lewis (22, 71), Martin (28, 58), Hiku (32), Davies (48), Evalds (65), Tanginoa (76)

Goals: Martin 6/8