Leigh Centurions seal Betfred Championship League Leaders' Shield

Leigh Centurions wrapped up the 2022 Betfred Championship League Leaders Sheild with a 42-4 rout of Widnes Vikings on Sunday.

Leigh underlined their dominance this season in a one-sided encounter that saw them become the highest points scorers in a regular season of rugby league. 

They led 26-0 by the break thanks to two tries from Blake Ferguson and scores from Josh Charnley, Ben Nakubuwai and Ed Chamberlain.

And there were further tries from Nakabuwai, Charnley, and Chamberlain in the second half. Chamberlain, filling in for Krisnan Inu, made four of seven conversions, as Leigh led 42-0 before Ryan Ince got a late consolation for Widnes.

The win lifts Leigh five points clear of Featherstone Rovers in the Championship table.

Third-placed Halifax Panthers enjoyed a 40-18 win over rivals Bradford Bulls, their third of the season.

Joe Keyes opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a neat dummy, though he was unable to convert his own try as his effort hit the post. 

Will Calcott then crossed and it was 16-0 after James Saltonstall's try was converted by Keyes. 

George Flanagan and Sammy Kibula pulled tries back for Bradford but after a Bulls penalty Lachlan Walmsley crossed in the corner, his 23rd try of the season giving the Panthers a 22-12 lead at the break. 

Saltonstall stretched Halifax's lead and though Chester Butler pulled one back in the 47th minute, that was Bradford's final word as Walmsley and Dan Murray added to the Panthers lead.

Whitehaven made sure of their Championship status for 2023 with a 40-20 win over London Broncos.

With their future on the line, Whitehaven turned in a big performance, with tries from Josh Martin and Curtis Teare, both converted by Nikau WIlliams handing them a 12-0 lead.

London got one back through Ilies Macani but Whitehaven were in determined mood, and Williams crossed, converting himself, to make it 18-4 at the break.

Further tries from Marcus Walker, Will Evans, Dion Aiye and Williams made sure, despite scores for London from Alex Walker, Wellington Albert and Macani.

Featherstone had signed off on Saturday with a 64-18 rout of Workington Town in which Connor Jones scored five tries.

Barrow Raiders enjoyed a 62-10 win away to Newcastle Thunder with Jake Carter and Tee Ritson both getting two tries each.

On Friday, York City Knights hung on for a 20-12 win over Sheffield Eagles.  

Betfred Championship Results:

Friday 26 August

• York City Knights 20-12 Sheffield Eagles

Saturday 27 August

• Newcastle Thunder 10-62 Barrow Raiders
• Featherstone Rovers 64-18 Workington Town

Sunday 28 August

• Halifax Panthers 40-18 Bradford Bulls
• Leigh Centurions 42-4 Widnes Vikings
• Whitehaven 40-20 London Broncos

Betfred Championship Fixtures:

Monday 28 August

• Dewsbury Rams v Batley Bulldogs - Live on Premier Sports, 7:45pm