Super League: Hull Kingston Rovers 26-42 St Helens

Kevin Naiqama has scored six tries in his past three appearances for St Helens

Kevin Naiqama and Tommy Makinson scored hat-tricks as St Helens beat lowly Hull KR to restore their four-point lead at the top of the Super League table.

Rovers went 12-0 up with tries from Danny Addy and Ryan Shaw, but Naiqama's double and Makinson's first put Saints four points ahead at the interval.

Jimmy Keinhorst briefly gave Rovers the lead again after half-time.

But Naiqama and Makinson completed trebles and Jonny Lomax and Regan Grace also crossed, with Will Oakes replying.

England winger Makinson returned from a back injury in style, helping Saints to their 13th win in 14 Super League matches this season to lift Justin Holbrook's side back four points clear of second-placed Warrington.

His second was a long-distance run-in from inside his own half, which fellow winger Grace replicated with the final play of the match.

Fiji international centre Naiqama, meanwhile, continued his excellent try-scoring form for Saints with his second hat-trick in three appearances, having crossed four times against Hull FC on 22 April.

Rovers slipped to a fourth consecutive Super League defeat and are second from bottom in the table, two points clear of bottom club London Broncos and level on points with Leeds Rhinos.

Hull KR head coach Tim Sheens:

"We gave them a game. There were good moments and a couple of terrible moments for us.

"But the guys didn't give up. That's why I say and people don't understand when I say you get beaten or you can lose. We lost the game but we didn't get beaten.

"People kept turning up and kept trying. The majority of the crowd stayed to show its appreciation and that's what you are looking for."

St Helens head coach Justin Holbrook:

"Kevin was outstanding. His last four to six weeks is what we have wanted from him. He is building into the team nicely.

"Tommy did some quality things as well, while Jonny Lomax's defence on the other edge late in the game was outstanding - and it needed to be. Those three were our best."

Hull KR: Hall; Shaw, Vaivai, Crooks, Oakes; McGuire, Drinkwater; Mulhern, Addy, Maria, Linnett, Keinhorst, Lawler.

Interchanges: Lunt, Hauraki, Atkin, Rooks.

St Helens: Coote; Makinson, Naiqama, Costello, Grace; Lomax, Fages; Lees, Roby, Walmsley, Peyroux, Taia, Knowles.

Interchanges: Paulo, Amor, Ashworth, Welsby.

Referee: Liam Moore