The Betfred Championship Play-Offs are about to begin, with two Eliminator matches taking place this weekend!
Two semi-final spots are at stake, with York Knights firstly hosting Widnes Vikings on Saturday.
The Knights’ resurgence under Mark Applegarth is rather commendable, with his side sealing fourth spot after 26 rounds – their highest finish since 2019.
York agonisingly missed out on the Play-Offs last season on points difference but have maintained consistency in this year’s campaign and this time around have reaped the rewards.
They have won seven of their last eight matches, and certainly have the confidence and belief heading into this knockout tie.
Meanwhile, Widnes managed to sneak their way into the top six at the expense of Sheffield Eagles, following a nervy 24-26 victory over Barrow Raiders last Sunday.
Prior to this, Allan Coleman’s men have endured three straight defeats, so will need to regather some form quickly if they are to put a stop to their opponent’s momentum. It is also a first Championship Play-Off appearance for the Vikings since their relegation from Super League in 2018.
Where previous results are concerned, it’s one a-piece in this year’s competition, with Widnes triumphing 18-22 against the Knights in Round 10, and York winning the reverse fixture 6-12 three months later.
Will there be another close contest?
Sunday’s Eliminator will then see a blockbuster spectacle between Bradford Bulls and Featherstone Rovers at Bartercard Odsal.
The Bulls have been rampant in 2024 and secured third spot, while Fev have had plenty of ups and downs. Nevertheless, they have performed well enough for a Play-Off place.
It’s a highly anticipated West Yorkshire derby, with a bumper crowd expected. Featherstone have won their last five away meetings with Bradford and they last faced one another in August, where Fev pipped the Bulls by a single point.
Round 3, however, saw Bradford enjoy a 14-24 victory over their rivals.
Both sides made it through to the semi-finals last year, but there can only be one who progresses in 2024…
The winners of the Eliminators will go on to play either Wakefield Trinity or Toulouse Olympique in the Semi-Finals on Sunday 13 October.
Betfred Championship Play-Off Eliminators:
Bradford Bulls v Featherstone Rovers (3rd v 6th)
York Knights v Widnes Vikings (4th v 5th)
Photo Credit: Featherstone Rovers
