Toulouse scored six tries during the opening game of the Betfred Championship season. Olly Ashall-Bolt scored the first try of the season, in a match which was shown on Our League. Benjamin Laguerre scored twice for the visitors during the 24-4 success.
Kieran Gill’s two tries paved the way for Bradford Bulls to defeat Whitehaven 24-8 at Odsal in Round 1 of the 2023 Betfred Championship
Dave Eccleston claimed a deserved try for the visitors, but further scores from Chester Butler and George Flanagan Snr ensured the Bulls secure the two points.
Elsewhere, Halifax Panthers survived a second-half comeback from the Sheffield Eagles to win 26-18 at The Shay.
Fax led 16-6 at the break thanks to tries from James Saltonstall, Lachlan Walmsley and Jake Maizen, whilst Aaron Murphy marked his 300th career appearance with a first-half try for the Eagles.
After the break, Bayley Liu notched a brace for Sheffield, but the Panthers would secure victory in the closing stages when Italy international Maizen finished off a classy team move to claim his double.
It was opening day delight for last season’s Grand Finalists Batley Bulldogs as Craig Lingard’s side won 30-20 away at London Broncos.
Kieran Buchanan scored twice for the Bulldogs, whilst Nyle Flynn, Josh Hodson and Alistair Leak also got on the scoresheet.
Newcastle Thunder overcame a spirited Swinton Lions to triumph 18-6 at Heywood Road. Alex Young (2) and Nikau Williams touched down for Thunder.
Finally, Widnes Vikings came from behind to win 19-12 at York Knights thanks to tries from Ryan Millar, Shane Grady, and Ant Walker, along with a late drop goal from Tom Gilmore.
Danny Kirmond and Joe Brown crossed for the hosts, but Widnes hung on to claim a hard-fought victory at the LNER Community Stadium.
Featherstone put down a marker in front of the Viaplay Sports cameras. Sean Long's side ran riot against newly promoted Keighley Cougars.
Gareth Gale and Riley Dean both scored doubles during the nine try-rout.
Full-back Caleb Aekins completed the 50-0 win with a try underneath the sticks, in a stand full of delighted Featherstone Rovers' fans.
Results
- Barrow Raiders 4-24 Toulouse
- Bradford Bulls 24-8 Whitehaven
- Halifax Panthers 26-18 Sheffield Eagles
- London Broncos 20-30 Batley Bulldogs
- Swinton Lions 6-18 Newcastle Thunder
- York Knights 12-19 Widnes Vikings
- Keighley Cougars 0-50 Featherstone Rovers
Image Simon Hall
