Leigh Centurions were the biggest winners in Round One of the Betfred Championship as they made a convincing return to the second tier defeating Whitehaven 50-4.
Off-season arrival Nene McDonald was the star of the show crossing for a hat-trick on debut for the Centurions. McDonald opened the scoring before Kieran Dixon, Caleb Aekins, Keanan Brand and Thomas Nisbet gave the hosts a 28-0 lead at the break.
McDonald notched two inside the first five minutes after the break before Mark Ioane powered over and Nisbet grabbed his second of the afternoon. Will Evans scored Whitehaven’s only try in Jonty Gorley’s first Betfred Championship game in charge.
Bradford Bulls were in similar form in attack as they overcame West Yorkshire rivals Dewsbury Rams 16-46 at the Tetley’s Stadium.
Halfback Dec Patton scored 18 of Bradford’s 46 points, including his first try for the club. Matty Dawson-Jones and Kieran Gill both scored doubles while Elliot Kear and Ajahni Wallace were also on the scoresheet.
Ross Peltier found his way over for Dewsbury in the first half while James Beckett and Lewis Carr’s second half efforts were mere consolation.
Batley Bulldogs fought from 0-16 down against fellow 2021 Play-Off contenders Halifax Panthers to earn an impressive 30-18 victory. Johnny Campbell crossed just before the half-time hooter and the Bulldogs would score four more unanswered tries after the interval.
Barrow Raiders made a winning start to life back in the Betfred Championship seeing off Sheffield Eagles, 22-10. Five goals from Ryan Shaw were crucial for the Cumbrian side with Ellis Gillam, Tee Ritson and Hakim Miloudi scoring Barrow’s tries.
It was defeat for London Broncos in their first game at the Cherry Red Records Stadium as they lost to Widnes Vikings 12-34. Ryan Ince scored three of Widnes’ seven tries while Joe Edge welcomed a brace.
Elsewhere, Workington Town were handed a 6-20 defeat at the hands of Workington Town in their first Betfred Championship outing since 2016.
Betfred Championship Results
Sunday 30 January
Workington Town 6 Newcastle Thunder 20
Barrow Raiders 22 Sheffield Eagles 10
Batley Bulldogs 30 Halifax Panthers 18
Dewsbury Rams 16 Bradford Bulls 46
Leigh Centurions 50 Whitehaven 4
London Broncos 12 Widnes Vikings 34
Betfred Championship Fixtures
Monday 31 January
York City Knights v Featherstone Rovers, 7:45pm – live on Premier Sports
