An exciting clash awaits in Round 18 of Betfred League One this weekend, as Swinton Lions have an opportunity to narrow the gap between themselves and North Wales Crusaders.
This tasty tie between 1st and 2nd will take place at Colwyn Bay, with the hosts edging ever closer to the League One title.
Only Swinton can stop them, and last time out saw a scintillating contest unfold with late tries from Dan Abram and Frank Sergent, which clinched a 26-20 Lions victory.
The Crusaders fell to their first league defeat that day and Swinton are currently the only team to have beaten them in 2025 – something Carl Forster’s men will want revenge for.
Could the visitors possibly do the double over the league leaders? It would be an impressive scalp if they manage to pull it off!
The Lions have won all four of their previous away meetings with the Crusaders, so anything could happen!
Meanwhile, Dewsbury will look to continue their push for a top four spot as they travel to Newcastle.
A win in the Northeast could see the Rams move level with fourth-placed Midlands or even leapfrog them in the table depending on Sunday’s score margin.
Similarly, it’s a huge game for Rochdale Hornets if they are to realistically keep their top four hopes alive. They also have a game in hand, whereas their Play-Off rivals Midlands and Dewsbury have played one more than them.
They have home advantage in Round 17 when welcome Whitehaven to town and were victorious in their last home meeting with the Cumbrian side, back in 2014.
Haven are currently on a terrible run of form and will be desperate to avoid a seventh straight defeat this weekend.
But Anthony Murray’s men should take confidence from their most recent outing against Rochdale back in Round 3, when they hung on to win 24-20.
Can we see more of that same spirit in Round 18?
Finally, there’s action over in Cumbria as Workington and Keighley battle it out. It’s an important two points for Town who will be keen to secure their place in the top four as the regular end of the season reaches its conclusion.
Betfred League One Round 18 fixtures:
North Wales Crusaders v Swinton Lions
Newcastle Thunder v Dewsbury Rams
Rochdale Hornets v Whitehaven
Workington Town v Keighley Cougars
Make sure you're playing the Betfred League One Predictor Game in 2025 – join in the fun on the Rugby League website here or in the Our League app now!
The Betfred League One full fixture list can be found here.
Photo Credit: Rochdale Hornets & JM Sport Pix
