York Knights head coach Mark Applegarth declared himself “proud to represent the city” after their stunning 19-18 victory over defending Betfred Super League champions Hull KR.
The Knights, playing their first top-flight match since 1986, were forced into resilient defence for large periods of their Super League debut and held last year’s treble winners to a 6-6 half-time scoreline.
Rovers surged into an 18-6 lead before star half-back Mikey Lewis was sin-binned for kicking out at opposite number Liam Harris on the hour mark.
Sam Wood, who grabbed the first try of the new campaign, grabbed his second score before Scott Galeano levelled late on.
Ata Hingano landed a drop-goal in the 76th minute and the home side held on for a famous triumph.
“I’m just proud first and foremost for the the lads,” Applegarth said. “The hard work and the self-belief had shone through there.
“An historic win. I’m proud to represent the city in the way we have been, but we will enjoy tonight and then be straight back at it tomorrow for a tough game at Leeds on Friday night.
“We knew we had a chance today, our first game of the year and all the pressure was on Hull KR.
“What a lovely game to kick off Super League with. I thought the whole atmosphere and whole build-up has been excellent.
“They are a proud bunch are the York fans and will get behind us at the rugby, get behind the football team and I think we have a responsibility to give them a team they can cheer on every week.
“I just thought it was a really solid performance. Overall, a real happy team performance.”
On the Lewis incident, Applegarth added: “I thought a sin-binning was probably the right call, I don’t think anything more was needed. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t.
“But it’s important to capitalise on those sort of opportunities.”
