Hull Kingston Rovers became Super League Grand Finalists for the first time in their history with an extremely gritty 10-8 victory over Warrington Wolves at Craven Park.
The Robins were in the ascendancy in the first 40 as James Batchelor and Joe Burgess went over, although the latter's try was clouded in controversy, before Sam Burgess's men exhibited their powers of recovery.
A double from Matty Ashton put the Wire right back in contention, but Josh Thewlis fatally missed both conversion attempts, and KR produced some masterful last-ditch defending right at the death to make Hull history.
Despite the crushing blow of captain Elliot Minchella's two-game suspension being upheld, the hosts swarmed over Warrington straight from the off in front of a Craven Park cauldron, where there were also a fair few flashpoints to be had.
Such aggression and ferocity was no real surprise considering the stakes, although there may have been a slight element of surprise about the first try scorer, as Batchelor ended a six-month dry spell in the 16th minute.
Rather than going for the posts with a penalty, Willie Peters's side maintained the pressure on the Wire backline, and Batchelor powered through three bodies before launching out his right arm for his first try since April 5.
Hull KR to face Wigan or Leigh in Grand Final
Mikey Lewis missed the extras, which briefly looked costly as Matt Dufty surged through the KR defence - with the help of a slick feint - to score for the Wire, but the effort was chalked off for obstruction in the build-up.
However, the most controversial moment of the first half was yet to arrive, as Burgess forced his way through three blue shirts and over the line, and the decision from on-field referee Liam Moore was a try.
As video referee Jack Smith could not find any conclusive evidence to overturn the decision, KR controversially extended their lead before Lewis atoned for his first kick to give Peters's team a 10-0 lead at half time.
The arrears were quickly reduced in the second period, though, as powerful forward play from Toby King preceded try machine Ashton bagging his seventh in seven games right on the line, after a much more straightforward video review.
From seven in seven to eight in seven, Ashton was on a one-man mission to turn the tide in Warrington's favour and dived over in the corner in the 58th minute, but for the second time, Thewlis missed the conversion as KR retained a slender lead.
Peters's side inevitably faced a barrage of Warrington attacks as the clock ticked down, but their defensive structure proved impenetrable, and the Craven Park crowd exploded in elation as their place at Old Trafford was booked.
Hull KR will learn their Grand Final opponents on Saturday, as reigning champions Wigan Warriors take on Leigh Leopards at 5.30pm. body check tags ::
