Round 12 of the Betfred Championship is here, where 2024 has been anything but predictable so far…
Batley Bulldogs are at home to Toulouse on Saturday, but can the Bulldogs make it four wins on the spin?
A recently resurged Batley find themselves sitting just outside the top six in the league table as they look to apply pressure on the above teams – including Sylvain Houles’ side. It was one a-piece last year when two teams met last year, so fans should expect a fiery encounter once again.
On Sunday, there’s plenty of action happening in West Yorkshire. Bradford host Doncaster for the first time since 2018 and have won their last 11 meetings against their opponents.
Meanwhile, Featherstone are in action against York and will look to end their three-game losing run. York, however, will look to go back-to-back for the second time this season and continue their 100% winning record under new head coach Mark Applegarth.
Liam Finn’s Halifax will make a short trip to the DIY Kitchens Stadium to face Wakefield, who remain unbeaten in the 2024 competition.
It will be Wakefield’s first home game since their AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final win at Wembley a fortnight ago, with another bumper crowd expected in Round 12.
Fax’ won emphatically in Cumbria last weekend, but can they put together another strong performance on the road against the league leaders?
Elsewhere, there’s a tasty clash between 2nd v 3rd in the table, as Sheffield face Widnes in arguably one of the standout ties of the round. The battle for second spot commences as these two Championship heavyweights go head-to-head at Olympic Legacy Park on Sunday, but who will come out on top?
It’s the Eagles have won the past four home meetings against the Vikings, but Allan Coleman’s men came extremely close against table toppers Wakefield last Sunday, so should not be underestimated in any way.
Swinton will be looking to right the wrongs of Round 11 when they welcome Barrow to Heywood Road. Both sides will be looking to bounce back from respective losses, but can the Raiders claim their first away win against the Lions since 2008?
Finally, it’s a trip to Whitehaven for bottom-placed Dewsbury, in the sides’ first meeting since 2022.
Betfred Championship Round 12 fixtures:
Batley Bulldogs v Toulouse Olympique
Bradford Bulls v Doncaster RLFC
Featherstone Rovers v York RLFC
Whitehaven RLFC v Dewsbury Rams
Sheffield Eagles v Widnes Vikings
Wakefield Trinity v Halifax Panthers
Swinton Lions v Barrow Raiders
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship and all of the relevant information and kick-off times can be found here.
Photo Credit: Simon Hall
