MICHAEL Dobson admits the importance of goal-kicking was highlighted in Hull KR's 22-21 win over Catalan as his touchline conversion was the difference between winning and losing.
It was a weekend when the city's two sides had contrasting fortunes in that key area of the game, with the spotlight falling on Hull FC's Daniel Holdsworth, as his four misses meant the Black and Whites lost, despite outscoring the Tigers in tries.
Dobson has been in the position many times before, and whilst he has at times missed those vital match-deciding kicks, he held his nerve on Saturday, slotting over the fifth match-winning kick of his KR career.
Dobson says it is a responsibility which comes with being a goal-kicker, and that whilst delighted with his own success in kicking three from four on Saturday, he has sympathy with his counterparts, including Catalan's Thomas Bosc, who missed his first three conversions, which proved costly in the end.
"It was one of those games that came down to kicking," Dobson told the Mail.
"I missed one, which I probably should have got, but I got the crucial one at the end and that's all that counts. I was surprised Thomas missed three conversions because he is usually pretty accurate.
"But they were tough kicks and a bit of luck went our way."
Dobson's touchline conversion to seal victory brought a much-needed two points which not only showed Rovers have the ability to beat the competition's leading sides, but also hold on to snatch the points in a tight encounter.
And the scrum half believes it highlighted the progress made since the start of the season under coach Craig Sandercock.
"It's nice to win one of the close ones. It shows how far we have come since the start of the season and the mentality in this group of players.
"It's taken time to gel and we are working hard for one another and I couldn't be prouder of the boys.
"This result is massive because of the games we have left to play. We have a lot of away games coming up so it's going to be tough from here on in, but if we keep hanging in there and improving on a few things, we'll come out on top. We know we can be a match for any side in this competition and we showed that against Catalan. Completing our sets and keeping our discipline in check is key to us doing well."
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