Ahead of tomorrow’s clash between high flying Sheffield Eagles and the newly promoted Swinton Lions, the rest of the Championship action concluded today.
But it started on Saturday at Keighley Cougars who have impressed in recent weeks after a slow start to the season.
However, against one of the promotion favourites came unstuck. It was a routine win for Toulouse Olympique who have shown some weakness away from home but not this week as Jake Shorrocks pulled the strings in a 34-6 win.
Today there were some comprehensive wins as well.
The biggest came in the capital at the expense of London Broncos against the unbeaten league leaders Featherstone Rovers with Connor Jones bagging a hat-trick in a terrific season. Caleb Aekins and Joey Leilua also scoring.
Whitehaven were the other big winners of the day as a dominant second half allowed them to build on an 8-0 halftime lead.
Halifax Panthers meanwhile were dominant against York RLFC with Lachlan Walmsley typically brilliant and bagging a brace.
This was key as York scored late to give themselves some hope.
There was little hope for Barrow Raiders late on despite a late try as their struggles continued in a 23-14 defeat to Widnes Vikings away from home the Raiders did battle to the end and the same was true of Bradford Bulls against Batley Bulldogs where a late Tom Holmes try gave them a chance at victory having trailed 21-12 to the Bulldogs going into the final minutes.
That try came too late and the Bulls lost despite scoring more tries than their opponents. The Bulldogs just scored twice but six goals from Leeds Rhinos loanee Luke Hooley including four penalties proving key.
Results:
Keighley Cougars 6-34 Toulouse Olympique
London Broncos 10-40 Featherstone Rovers
Widnes Vikings 23-14 Barrow Raiders
Bradford Bulls 16-21 Batley Bulldogs
Halifax Panthers 16-6 York RLFC
Whitehaven 31-6 Newcastle Thunder
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