Championship

Championship Round-Up: Huge upset, Featherstone Bradford battle and drop goal drama

by
Ben Mulholland
April 7, 2024

Round 3 of the Championship showcased the unwavering determination of Wakefield Trinity, Widnes Vikings, and Sheffield Eagles in what was a highly anticipated round.

They all secured victories away from home, maintaining their excellent start with three wins out of three. Despite the challenges, they stood strong, a testament to their resilience.

On the other hand, Batley Bulldogs and York are still in search of their first win of the season, as they both faced defeat once again on the road.

The weekend’s first game saw Swinton Lions win against a decent Toulouse side 20-14 away from home, grabbing their first win of the season.

Toulouse, who look likely to be in Super League next season based on IMG’s initial rankings, find themselves under increasing pressure to find form quickly.

They must prove they are good enough at the highest level of Rugby and time is of the essence. The pressure is on Toulouse to step up their game and show their true potential.

Barrow Raiders clinched victory over York with a try and then a drop goal in the last four minutes of the game.

A try from Luke Cresswell and a last-minute drop goal from Bradley Walker helped Barrow win their first game of the season.

It was a day to forget for the Dewsbury Rams, who were outclassed by the Widnes Vikings in their own backyard today.

This win for Widnes keeps their 100% win record intact and keeps the pressure on favourites Wakefield Trinity at the top of the table.

Wakefield Trinity kept their place at the top of the table with a big win against Doncaster sway from home. Four tries in each half were enough to put Doncaster to the sword.

Sleeping Giants Bradford Bulls made it two wins out of two with a crucial win against Featherstone Rovers, who finished top of the league last season.

Featherstone managed to draw level at the start of the second half, but two tries from the Bulls sealed a crucial win away.

Halifax Panthers’ win over Batley Bulldogs keeps the Bulldogs winless and bottom of the Championship.

It was a tight game, but the Panthers just about edged it, putting them in the play-off places.

As for the Bulldogs, their next game is against league leaders Wakefield. A win for the Batley Bulldogs in their next match looks increasingly unlikely.

Whitehaven suffered their first defeat of the season against Sheffield Eagles at home.

It was a tight first half, but the Eagles ran away with it in the second half with five tries, leaving the final score 42-16 and three wins out of three for the Eagles.