Round 12 saw numerous try fests across the seven matches played, as we approach the midway mark of the regular Betfred Championship season…
Saturday saw Batley endure a disappointing defeat to Toulouse Olympique on home territory. The French side made it six consecutive wins and back-to-back nillings over their opposition.
In West Yorkshire, York Knights recorded historic win away at Featherstone for the first time since 1957. It had been a real arm wrestle until the final ten minutes when York produced stunning late tries from Ata Hingano and Liam Harris to seal an unforgettable win – Mark Applegarth maintaining his 100% perfect start as the Knights’ new head coach.
Wakefield Trinity also enjoyed a win in the sunshine when they hosted Halifax.
The Panthers made a real game of it, opening the scores through Charlie Graham. And although Trinity proceeded to dominate and racked up a 28-6 lead at the break, ‘Fax responded with back-to-back tries from Gareth Widdop and James Woodburn-Hall to reduce the deficit to ten – refusing to allow the hosts to run away with the result.
Derrell Olpherts was Trinity’s star man on the day, scoring four tries on his 200th career appearance, as Wakefield claimed the two points on offer.
Over at Bartercard Odsal, Bradford Bulls also produced a strong win over Doncaster.
Sheffield Eagles moved back up to second place in the Championship table with a win against Widnes.
There was a fierce contest between two of the Championship’s heavyweights, and it was the visitors who led at the break following two converted tries (Max Roberts and Jack Owens), as well as penalty and drop goal from Tom Gilmore.
A flurry of four tries in the second half would see the Eagles firmly fight back, and claim another win over opponents in the top six.
Both Cumbrian outfits returned to winning ways in Round 12 - Barrow Raiders with a victory on the road against Swinton Lions, while Whitehaven won at home when they welcomed a struggling Dewsbury side.
Betfred Championship Round 12 results:
Batley Bulldogs 0 Toulouse Olympique XIII 36
Swinton Lions 10 Barrow Raiders 24
Wakefield Trinity 46 Halifax Panthers 24
Sheffield Eagles 30 Widnes Vikings 21
Whitehaven RLFC 38 Dewsbury Rams 12
Featherstone Rovers 24 York Knights 34
Bradford Bulls 38 Doncaster RLFC 4
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship and all of the relevant information and kick-off times can be found here.
Photo Credit: Craig Hawkhead Photography
