Another weekend of Championship action has been and gone nicely setting up tomorrow’s Viaplay clash between Batley Bulldogs and Barrow Raiders tomorrow.
Yesterday, Widnes Vikings came up short against Toulouse Olympique.
It was a game that underlined that John Kear‘s Widnes Vikings side are a team that can really push for promotion especially after the way they defeated Halifax Panthers comprehensively recently.
They started the game well against one of the favourites for promotion Toulouse Olympique.
Early on a lovely Jack Owens long hall found Ryan Ince to score and make it 4-0.
However at the break the French side led 10-4 at the break.
Their first try came as Jake Shorrocks try was grounded by Joe Bretherton and later Rennie gave the French side that six point lead at the interval.
However, Widnes looked like they were going to claim a famous win when Kieran Dixon and Alfie Edge crossed for tries both of which weren’t converted.
They were creeping closer to a win but then late on a Paul Macron try broke Widnes hearts with less than three minutes to go as Toulouse edged a 14-12 clash.
Elsewhere London Broncos laid down a marker with a thumping win over Newcastle Knights as Alex Walker caused Newcastle problems with two tries.
Jack Miller got Newcastle’s only try.
Today Halifax Panthers continued their momentum from last weekend’s brilliant Challenge Cup win over promotion favourites Featherstone Rovers with a 34-10 win with Lachlan Walmsley scoring twice.
The damage was done in the first half with the Panthers leading 28-4 at the break. Lachlan Walmsley scored twice.
Bradford Bulls were relatively comfortable winners against Sheffield Eagles though the win was wrapped up by a lovely late Tom Holmes try, his second.
The try was called sexy by the Bulls twitter:
73' – TRY – Am i allowed to call a try sexy? Cause that was! Flowing move ends with another inside ball from Patton to Holmes!
KTC
🐂 30 – 18 🦅
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) March 19, 2023
Leeds Rhinos loanee Liam Tindall scored his second try for the Bulls in 2023 as they won 32-18. Fellow Rhino Corey Johnson also featured.
Featherstone got back to winning ways though Swinton Lions made them work for their win with the Rovers only leading 16-6 at the break.
Widnes Vikings 12-14 Toulouse Olympique
Newcastle Thunder 6-36 London Broncos
Bradford Bulls 32-18 Sheffield Eagles
Halifax Panthers 34-10 Keighley Cougars
Swinton Lions 6-34 Featherstone Rovers
York RLFC 12-14 Whitehaven
