Halifax Panthers suffered their first defeat of the season, going down at home to London Roosters, 40-30, who consolidated a top four slot.
The visitors overcame a six point half time deficit to record a landmark win in their inaugural season, Lewis King again leading the way for them with four tries. Halifax played their first game at Sedbergh Sports Centre in Low Moor, coming up against a Roosters team growing in confidence.
The sides traded tries in the first period with Halifax just edging in front at the break, two try and five goal Rob Hawkins dominant. King struck early in the second period to make it a two point game, but the Panthers extended their lead to ten points, Tom Martin with two tries and player/coach Wayne Boardman one.
Joe Coyd led the Roosters comeback with his second try and the game changed with a couple of key plays from Jack Linden, who also crossed twice, King wrapping up the win to seal a milestone victory; Joe Coyd with one goal and Jason Owen three for the visitors.
London team manager Martin Coyd noted: “This is a big day for the Roosters and wheelchair rugby league outside of the traditional areas. For the first time, the great Halifax club have been defeated by a team from the South. It’s been coming, the players and staff have worked very hard and got what they deserved, every player put in a big effort.”
Panthers’ Boardman said: “We have no complaints, the best team won today. They were good in the second half and made less mistakes than us and we paid the price. It’s good that we have finished top of the table at the break point and we are looking forward to the Top 4 format.”
Wigan took over at the top of the table after a convincing second half performance saw them beat Hull FC, 90-36 at Robin Park. The Warriors led 36-22 after an even first half but Declan Roberts was again in sensational form, finishing with nine tries and 15 goals for a personal 66 point haul.
Martin Norris crossed four times and Matt Wooloff claimed a hat trick, Nathan Roberts with the host’s other try. Billy Swainger stood out for the black and whites, bagging four touchdowns, player/coach Mike Swainger added a try and four goals, and Tristan Norfolk went over for a brace.
Wigan coach Phil Roberts commented: “I’m very pleased overall, despite a difficult first half when we just didn’t gel and made uncharacteristic errors. Hull took their chances well and the opening 40 minutes were an even tussle. We were much more composed in the second period and, having a few key players unavailable this week, it was a good test of our squad depth. On to the second half of the season now!”
North Wales Crusaders got the better of Warrington Wolves, winning 68-28 at the Deeside Leisure Centre.
With the first half of the season complete, the division will split into two for the respective play offs, Halifax, Wigan, defending champions Leeds Rhinos and the Roosters fighting it out for a place in the Grand Final; North Wales, Warrington and Hull being joined by the leading clubs in the championship to fight for the wheelchair trophy.
Betfred Wheelchair Super League Week 8 Results
Saturday:
- North Wales Crusaders 68-28 Warrington Wolves
Sunday:
- Wigan Warriors 90-36 Hull FC
- Halifax Panthers 30-40 London Roosters
