Holders Hull Kingston Rovers emphatically booked their ticket to the Challenge Cup semi-finals after dismantling the injury-hit York Knights in a dominant 48-10 display at Sewell Group Craven Park. York, who had recently made history with a home win, arrived short on numbers and featured four loan players against a Rovers side clearly hitting peak form.

Tyrone May proved unstoppable, bagging a quick-fire hat-trick to secure the first treble of his 12-year senior career, while Mikey Lewis orchestrated the attack. Lewis himself contributed a spectacular solo try early in the second half, showcasing brilliant aerial control after chipping the defence. Rhyse Martin added kicking accuracy, converting two tries and booting a penalty before the interval.

Despite Xavier Va'a forcing a score for the Knights following a defensive lapse, the hosts responded relentlessly. Whitbread muscled over, and Joe Burgess finished acrobatically as the hooter sounded, sealing the comprehensive victory. This result confirms Hull KR’s status as strong contenders for silverware this season, leaving York to regroup following the heavy defeat.

Key contributions from Gildart, who supported the opening score, and Litten, who assisted another, ensured sustained pressure throughout the contest. The comprehensive nature of the win sends a clear message to the remaining Challenge Cup hopefuls.