Round 2 of the Betfred Championship got underway at the weekend, producing some excitingly close contests.
Over in the capital, London Broncos came from behind to claim their first win of the season against Featherstone Rovers.
Liam Tindall bagged a first half brace on his Broncos debut, before a match-winning Taylor Kerr try and Christopher Hellec conversion would edge Mike Eccles' side in front for an important two points.
Meanwhile, there was a blood and thunder battle between York and Toulouse, who were both searching for their first victories of the season.
In the end, it took a drop goal from the French side’s Jake Shorrocks right on the final whistle to separate them, after only a single try each in the game.
Batley began their campaign away at Oldham's Boundary Park, where yet another tight encounter unfolded. The Roughyeds initially led with tries through Jack Johnson and Riley Dean, although did fall behind to the Bulldogs when Joe Burton and Jayden Myers crossed, with Josh Woods successfully converting both of their tries.
Johnson’s second did bring the scores level before half-time, as a neck and neck second stanza followed.
Batley regained the lead through Burton’s second before a Woods penalty gave Mark Moxon’s men an 18-12 lead. And it looked to all be over for the hosts, but Long's men found a late flourish, and Johnson finished off a fine move in the corner with two minutes remaining – claiming a heroic hattrick in the process.
Kieran Dixon then coolly converted from the touchline to salvage a point, as the newly promoted remain unbeaten heading into Round 3.
Elsewhere, Widnes continued their winning start with a hard-fought victory over Sheffield in their home opener.
It was a second successive nailbiter for Widnesians on Sunday, who appeared to have the game wrapped up heading into the closing stages. Morgan Smith, however, grounded the ball to give the visitors a chance to earn a draw in the final minute of the match.
But an unsuccessful conversion would see the Vikings hang on to take the two points.
Finally, both Halifax and Bradford made it two wins from two after beating Barrow and Hunslet respectively.
Betfred Championship Round 2 results:
London Broncos 14 Featherstone 12
Halifax Panthers 24 Barrow Raiders 14
Oldham 18 Batley Bulldogs 18
Hunslet 20 Bradford Bulls 38
Widnes Vikings 10 Sheffield Eagles 8
York Knights 6 Toulouse Olympique 7
Doncaster – Bye week
It’s a break away from Betfred Championship action next weekend as the First Round of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup takes place. Fixture information can be found here.
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship can be found here.
Photo Credit: London Broncos
