Whitehaven edge closer to League 1 promotion

Betfred League 1 round-up

Whitehaven moved a step closer to Betfred League 1 promotion after a entertaining 48-19 victory at Keighley Cougars.

The Cougars did not read the script as they raced into a 15-6 half-time lead thanks to tries from Louis Sheriff and Jack Miller and seven points from the boot of Benn Hardcastle.

However, Whitehaven hit their stride in the second period, scoring 42 unanswered points as Dion Aiye (two), Sam Forrester completed his hat-trick, Brett Phillips (two) and Andrew Bulman turned the match on its head before Macauley Hallett grabbed a late consolation try for Keighley.

🏅 @OfficialHavenRl are in pole position with two games left to play! pic.twitter.com/82vaQ3uY70

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) August 18, 2019

Oldham remain two points behind Whitehaven in second following a 40-14 triumph over play-off hopefuls Doncaster.

The Roughyeds had seven different tryscorers and half-back Paul Crook also kicked 12 points as they hope to capitalise on any mistakes from the league leaders, heading into the final two fixtures of the season.

Doncaster remain in pole position for a top-six finish, sitting in fifth and four points clear of seventh-placed North Wales Crusaders.

pic.twitter.com/rFrFDbJ4o9

— Oldham RLFC (@Roughyeds) August 18, 2019

Newcastle Thunder are outsiders for automatic promotion but were in devastating form as they eased past Coventry Bears in a 88-6 rout.

Newcastle ran in 16 tries in total, with Lewis Young the pick of the tryscorers with a personal tally of four while Rhys Clarke kicked 12 goals for the Thunder, who are three points behind Haven in third.

⚡️FULL TIME⚡️

Newcastle Thunder run rampage at Kingston Park as they score 16 tries against the Coventry Bears.

We now look ahead to September 1 where we face @NWCrusadersRL at Kingston Park.

You can book your ticket in advance HERE 📲 https://t.co/z9cUbcOUDh pic.twitter.com/staoNcHEG0

— Newcastle Thunder (@ThunderRugby) August 18, 2019

North Wales Crusaders ran out comfortable 56-16 winners at West Wales Raiders.

The Crusaders scored 11 tries in the Wales derby with nine different scorers and three players sharing the kicking duties in the convincing victory.

West Wales Raiders 16-56 North Wales Crusaders

Keighley Cougars 19-48 Whitehaven

Newcastle Thunder 88-6 Coventry Bears

Oldham 40-14 Doncaster