Jake Webster's late drop goal ensured the bragging rights for supremacy in the city of Hull remain on the east of the river as Hull KR defied the elements and a late Hull comeback to win the 203rd Humber derby.

The game had looked set to end in a draw after Hull fought back from 10-0 to level matters, only for Webster to scrape a 77th-minute effort over the bar and seal victory for Justin Morgan's side.

It was ironic that Webster should be the match-winner, after all the pre-match build-up had been focused on the return of his half-back partner Paul Cooke following a suspension issued to him after his controversial move from Hull almost a year ago.

As it was, the man himself kept a low profile for most of a game that was played in horrendous winds and was won by Webster and a try apiece from Jake Webster and Daniel Fitzhenry.

Hull coach Peter Sharp was rumoured to be under pressure prior to the game, and speculation could mount further after another dismal performance from his admittedly injury-hit side.

Cooke's effect on the atmosphere amongst a record crowd at New Craven Park was audible from the off, although his first contribution of note was to concede a penalty.

Hull were unable to make any telling early inroads though and soon found themselves trailing to what turned out to be the only try of the opening half.

There appeared to be little danger as Hull shifted the ball across their line until Scott Murrell caught Shaun Berrigan blind and ankle-tapped him, causing the latter to spill the ball as he shaped to kick. Jake Webster swooped on the loose ball and raced 35 yards to the line for his sixth try of the season.

Cooke converted from out wide to underline Rovers' early promise, a fact highlighted further when James Webster punted a 40-20 kick moments later.

The home side were unable to pierce Hull's defence further though, despite Danny Washbrook spending time in the sin bin for interference.

The nearest they came was a Murrell try which was chalked off for an obstruction against Chev Walker and a good run from Michael Vella that was halted by Paul King.

As the half wore on Hull did fashion a couple of handy chances, only for Cooke to hack the ball clear as Graeme Horne chased down debutant Adel Fellous' kick ahead, while another former Hull player Shaun Briscoe did well to shield the ball from Motu Tony's grasp after a cute kick from Adam Dykes.

The home side had felt the benefit of the howling wind in the opening period, but began the second half with four straight sets of possession despite ploughing into the elements head-on.

A smart break from Berrigan nearly created an opening for King in the 50th minute, but a penalty conceded by Rovers soon allowed the visitors to open their account, only for Danny Tickle to thunder his kick against the post.

Not deterred, Hull continued to pour forward and, helped by the wind, Dykes began to kick with a greater assurance than he had done previously but it amounted to little as Rovers extended their lead just shy of the hour mark.

This time Cooke was involved, squeezing a pass out to Jake Webster, who in turn fended the ball wide to Fitzhenry and he dived over for his fifth try of the season.

The wind, combined with a swirling rain and sleet shower, contributed to Cooke failing miserably with the conversion, and his miss allowed Hull to roar back and level the scores.

First Tickle crashed in, only to hit the same post with his conversion, before Kirk Yeaman took in Dykes' pass to post his second try of the season. The rain began to pour as Tickle converted successfully to pull the scores together, only for Webster to then win the game.