Hull KR extended their remarkable run in the local derby with a 34-20 win over Hull FC at the MKM Stadium, securing a ninth consecutive victory in the fixture that Peters described as a "special occasion" he will miss after announcing he will leave Sewell Craven Park at the end of the season.
Early blow but second-half response
The contest began poorly for the visitors, who conceded an early 12-0 deficit inside eight minutes. That bright opening from Hull FC, however, failed to translate into sustained dominance: the defending champions pegged the score back to level by half-time and produced a decisive second period to run out comfortable winners.
- Final score: Hull KR 34 - Hull FC 20
- Venue: MKM Stadium
- Significant context: Hull KR were without influential figure Mikey Lewis following a four-match ban.
On the balance of the match Peters said the first 10 minutes were nervy and could have been damaging, but commended his side's reaction. He underlined that winning was the best response to questions about the team's connection and resilience.
“Whenever you play against FC, we do it for many, many people and the community is number one... For me to see him with a smile on his face after every derby win is something I get a lot of self-satisfaction out of and so do the players.”
The head coach referenced the pride felt by the club and its supporters, and singled out owner Neil Hudgell as someone whose pleasure at derby victories has been an important part of his experience at the club. Peters said the rivalry between the two sets of supporters makes the fixture special and that he will be watching future derbies "fondly from home."
Match flow and personnel notes
Despite the early setback, Hull KR's collective response in the second half mirrored last season's high standards, allowing them to take control and seal the victory. The absence of Mikey Lewis owing to a four-match suspension was noted as an early test of the squad's depth and organisation, but the team adjusted and produced the required performance.
Peters, who will depart the club at the end of this campaign, reflected on the emotional element of derby wins while defending his players against external criticism. "People have been questioning a few things about us, the best way is obviously winning football games," he said, adding that louder scrutiny made the victory all the more necessary.
| Period | Scoreline | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| First 8 minutes | Hull FC led 12-0 | Fast start for the home side |
| Half-time | Level | KR recovered to draw level by the break |
| Full-time | Hull KR 34 - Hull FC 20 | KR dominated second half |
From a wider perspective, the result lifts Hull KR up the Super League table to fifth, strengthening their play-off hopes as the season progresses. For supporters of both clubs the fixture once again underlined the significance of derby day: an intense, community-focused occasion where passion and pride are on full display.
For Peters, the match offered a bittersweet coda. He praised the atmosphere and the rivalry and said he had "absolutely loved every single derby" bar one he characterised as a day to forget. As he prepares to move on from Sewell Craven Park, the coach emphasised how much he has valued witnessing the joy derby wins bring to the club's stakeholders.
The result also raises questions for Hull FC, who will need to regroup after a deflating derby experience if they are to arrest the momentum of their cross-city rivals in the remaining fixtures.
As the season progresses, this ninth straight derby triumph will be remembered both for the scoreline and for marking another significant moment in Peters' tenure — a coach departing after helping to sustain a remarkable run in one of rugby league's most heated rivalries.
