The first round of the Betfred League One Play-Offs got underway at the weekend, as Midlands Hurricanes secured their place in the semi-finals.
The Hurricanes had already made history by making the Play-Offs for the first time, and hosted Workington in the Elimination Play-Off on Sunday.
Having already beaten the Cumbrian outfit twice this year two close contests, they ensured to do it again when it mattered, emerging as 24-22 victors.
It was Town who opened the scores early doors through Jordan Burns, but the Canes immediately responded when David Hewitt danced his way over the try-line.
The exhilarating neck and neck battle continued until the closing stages, where the scores were tied at 22-22.
Workington then conceded a penalty that would prove costly on the 72th minute, as the hosts opted for goal to edge themselves in front with little time remaining.
Midlands managed to hold out to secure a historic win in front of a jubilant home crowd and will now travel to face Hunslet in the semi-finals next weekend.
Workington’s season, however, has come to an end and they will go again in 2025.
The second semi-final – the Qualifying Play-Off – also saw the hosts come out on top, as Rochdale Hornets defeated Hunslet 30-18.
The Hornets gave themselves work to do in the first forty and had to overturn a 6-14 deficit after conceding three tries.
But they quickly responded with three tries of their own from Lewis Else, Jordan Andrade and Luke Forber, which breathed life into Rochdale before the break - and they never lost control from that point on.
Next Sunday, Rochdale will travel to play second-placed Keighley Cougars who have had a bye-week, while Hunslet have another chance against Midlands at home.
Betfred League One Play-Off results:
Midlands Hurricanes 24 v Workington Town 22 – Elimination Play-Off
Rochdale Hornets 30 v Hunslet RLFC 18 – Qualifying Play-Off
Photo Credit: Midlands Hurricanes
