Midlands Hurricanes kickstarted their 2023 Betfred League One campaign in emphatic fashion after a clinical seven-try display paved the way for Richard Squire’s side to defeat Cornwall 40-6.
Two tries from on-loan Castleford Tigers winger Elliot Wallis, along with further scores from Macauley Hallett, Dom Flanagan, Brad Martin, Elliott Windley and Matty Welham helped secure the hosts victory in their first-ever fixture at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium.
The Hurricanes headed into the break with a strong 34-0 lead, but a combination of Wallis being dismissed for an off-the-ball altercation, and a spirited Cornish fightback, meant just two further tries were scored in the second period.
Nick Slaney crossed in the right-hand corner to claim a deserved consolation try for Cornwall, before Welham rounded off a classy move to complete the scoring.
Elsewhere, last year’s Grand-Finalists Doncaster survived a second-half comeback from visiting Hunslet to emerge as 18-16 winners. The Dons had led 18-6 at half-time thanks to tries from Elliot Hall, Loui McConnell and Tom Halliday, but second-half efforts from Steve Crossley and Jack Render set up a tense finish at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Dewsbury Rams started life back in League One in style after defeating North Wales Crusaders 38-18 at Widnes’ DCBL Stadium. Owen Restall scored twice for the Rams.
Finally, on Saturday afternoon, Workington Town produced a ruthless ten-try display to defeat London Skolars 58-16 in the first game of the 2023 League One Season. Joe Kirkup grabbed a brace for Anthony Murray’s side.
Oldham and Rochdale Hornets both begin their 2023 campaigns on Sunday 5 March.
Round One Results
- London Skolars 16-58 Workington Town
- North Wales Crusaders 18-38 Dewsbury Rams
- Midlands Hurricanes 40-6 Cornwall
- Doncaster 18-16 Hunslet
