Salford Red Devils have been knocked out of this season’s Challenge Cup after losing 28-10 to Hull KR.

Paul Rowley’s side went into the Quarter Final at Craven Park with four wins in a row, including a win against Rovers in Newcastle at Magic Weekend.

In contrast, The Robins had struggled in the Super League, their most recent win coming against Championship outfit Batley Bulldogs.

KR came out flying in the opening exchanges, putting themselves ahead within five as Ryan Hall swept over the line from the left wing.

Salford looked to level the game, with Marc Sneyd and Joe Burgess coming close to breaking the Hull defence.

But Rovers kept their pressure on, forcing a good tackle from captain Kallum Watkins.

Eventually The Robins cracked the Red Devils line open, with a quick passing play between Tom Opacic and debutant Tanguy Zenon, with him crossing under the posts to put the hosts well ahead.

Salford were given a lifeline heading towards the interval as KR’s Elliot Minchella lashed out at Jack Ormondroyd, earning himself a yellow and 10 minutes in the sin bin.

Immediately the Red Devils looked to strike, Adam Sidlow coming agonisingly close to opening Salford’s account, but the ball was knocked on.

Mikey Lewis caught Salford unaware as he restarted from a penalty, nearly reaching the try line by himself, only to be pulled down by Ryan Brierley.

Ryan Brierley’s tackle against Mikey Lewis against Hull KR. Image from Viaplay Sports

But his superb tackle wasn’t enough as KR played it wide to Kane Linnett, who crossed and put them 18-0 up at the half.

Tim Lafai finally put Salford on the board three minutes after the restart, Burgess laying off the ball to put the visitors in with a shout.

Sneyd missed his conversion, putting the score at 18-4.

The next try was a crucial one, which Salford pushed for, with Burgess being denied and a KR drop out from a Sneyd kick.

But ultimately it was Rovers who put their fine performance to bed, with a grubber coming into the path of captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall and restored their 18 point lead.

Rowan Milnes kicked again for his second assist in a row to Dean Hadley to put the game beyond doubt for The Robins.

Joe Burgess, who was Salford’s man of the match, got a consolation, getting on the end of Marc Sneyd’s kick.

Salford drop out of the cup, playing against Wigan at the AJ Bell, as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations on Sunday 25 June.

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