Hull FC 22 - 14 Hull KR

Hull FC withstood a ferocious second-half fightback from rivals Hull Kingston Rovers as their city derby made a thrilling return after a 10-year absence.

Inspired by returning playmaker Paul Cooke - a boyhood Robins fan - Hull opened up a 16-4 lead in a first engage Super League meeting between the clubs but Rovers hit back in a thrilling finish.

Quickfire tries from David Tangata-Toa and Andreas Bauer midway through the second period at the sold-out KC Stadium got the visitors within two points but the hosts held on.

Sid Domic settled the game when he crashed over by the posts in the final minute and Cooke kicked his third goal of the afternoon.

Cooke, returning after six weeks out injured, had appeared the spark underachieving Hull had been lacking as he created tries for Danny Tickle and Shaun Briscoe in the first half.

Yet Rovers had only themselves to blame for allowing their rivals to cross twice in the first 20 minutes.

Jon Goddard was the first guilty party as he spilled a high Cooke kick and allowed the hosts possession in dangerous territory.

Cooke then wasted no time in spinning out a long pass for Gareth Raynor and the winger quickly shovelled the ball inside to put Tickle over.

Hull maintained the momentum and their constant probing paid off as Byron Ford knocked on at a routine play-the-ball.

Hull powered forward and Cooke again was the architect as he put full-back Briscoe through a gap to touch down.

Cooke converted for the second time but then made his first mistake to give Rovers a chance when he dropped the ensuing kick-off.

Rovers pressed but they could not initially force their way over the line with several Hull tacklers getting back to keep out Dyer.

Yet the visitors grew in confidence and James Webster - Rovers