Two dramatic Betfred Championship semi-finals unfolded on Sunday, but it is now confirmed that Wakefield Trinity will play Toulouse Olympique in the Grand Final on Saturday 19 October, K.O. 7pm.
It was an end-to-end contest between Wakefield and York Knights at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, with a converted try a piece in the first half and just a Liam Harris drop goal separating the two sides at the break.
Trinity enjoyed the better of the possession in the opening forty, but the Knights restricted the League Leaders to just six points, much to the hosts’ frustration.
Max Jowitt, who now needs just three points to become the all-time points scorer in a single season, went over for the first try of the afternoon, but Oli Field soon responded as himself and Nikau Williams cleverly combined.
Harris then struck an unexpected drop goal on the stroke of half-time, giving the Knights a one-point lead.
This set up a tight second stanza in which both teams continued to push each other all the way.
Veteran Luke Gale crossed for Trinity, but York would soon regain the advantage when Ata Higano scored out-wide – the visitors’ left edge proving to be dangerous threat throughout Sunday's game.
However, Trinity managed to score a further two tries from Derrell Olpherts and Iain Thornley to wrap up a tense victory - and despite a valiant effort from Mark Applegarth’s men, it is Wakefield who progress into the final next weekend.
There was another nail-biting encounter between Toulouse and Bradford Bulls, as the French side ensured that they would compete in their third consecutive Championship Grand Final.
And last year’s Grand Finalists found themselves 8-0 up inside the first eight minutes – fresh from their week off as they made a blistering start.
Benjamin Laguerre and Paul Ulberg touched down for the home side, but Jake Shorrocks was unable to successfully convert either goal.
Bulls stars Jordan Lilley and Franklin Pele then hit back to give Bradford a 8-12 advantage at break.
Toulouse came out firing after the interval, and back-to-back tries from Guy Armitage and Anthony Marion in the final quarter were enough to record a win, as well as Eloi Pelissier’s drop goal which extended their lead to seven points.
The Bulls refused to give in as Keven Appo crashed over from close range one minute from time, with Lilley converting to bring the scores back within one.
But Sylvain Houles' men held on, and will now prepare to travel to face Wakefield next Saturday.
Betfred Championship Semi-Final results:
Wakefield Trinity 22 York Knights 13
Toulouse Olympique 21 Bradford Bulls 20
The Betfred Championship Grand Final will take place on Saturday 19 October (K.O. 7pm) at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, Wakefield.
