York thrash Keighley to secure Hull KR cup tie
Paul McShane was making his competitive debut for York after his winter move from Castleford Tigers
- Published
Betfred Challenge Cup
Keighley Cougars: (0) 12
Try: Miller, Whitford Goals: Miller 2
York Knights: (34) 72
Try: Hingano, Edwards, Dee 2, Harris 3, Fitzsimmons, Santi, Teanby 2, Harrison, Field, Harris Goals: Harrison 10
York Knights booked a Challenge Cup third-round tie at home to 2024 Super League Grand finalists Hull Kingston Rovers with a 72-12 win at Keighley Cougars.
The Championship side proved too strong for their third-tier hosts as Ata Hingano and Levi Edwards scored early tries.
Keighley rarely worried their opponents and Jesse Dee and Liam Harris added two tries each as York - who were too quick and powerful for the Cougars - built a 34-0 half-time lead.
With 2020 Man of Steel Paul McShane pulling the strings on his competitive debut following his move from Castleford, York extended their lead as Connor Fitzsimmons and Brenden Santi crossed in the first seven minutes of the second period.
Jack Miller scored for Keighley from their first decent foray into Knights territory with 26 minutes left.
But the try was a blip in York's domination as Jack Teanby and Myles Harrison took the try tally into double figures after Keighley's Harry Bowes had been sin-binned for a high tackle.
Ollie Field and Teanby added further tries inside the final 10 minutes before Oliver Whitford intercepted a York pass on halfway and went in under the posts for a late consolation.
Harris completed his hat-trick in the final seconds for a comprehensive victory for the second-tier side ahead of their tie against the Robins on Friday night.
Keighley: Sammut, Walkley, Whitford, Sa'u, Holroyd, Farrell, Miller, Bajer, Bowes, Schofield, Ryder, Lanskey, Parker.
Interchanges: Flanagan, Aliyu, Cousins, McKler.
York: Brown, Law, Buchanan, Edwards, Harrison, Hingana, Harris, Martin, McShane, Thompson, Dee, Field, Gannon.
Interchanges: Cook, Teanby, Santi, Fitzsimmons.
Referee: Matthew Lynn