Featherstone Rovers returned to the top of the Betfred Championship table after running in an astonishing fourteen tries against Whitehaven at the Millennium Stadium.
Rovers headed into the game below both Toulouse Olympique and Sheffield Eagles in the table after both sides had secured 36-0 victories over York and Batley, respectively, but the resounding 76-4 triumph over Haven now moves Sean Long’s side back to the summit of the division.
Gareth Gale grabbed a classy hat-trick for Rovers, whilst Joey Leilua (2), Thomas Lacans, Craig Kopczak, John Davies, McKenzie Yei, Riley Dean, Jack Bussey, Connor Jones, Caleb Aekins and Luke Briscoe all also got on the scoresheet.
Elsewhere, Bradford Bulls responded to their Round Two defeat at York Knights with a hard-fought 14-12 win against Widnes Vikings at Odsal.
Widnes led 12-8 heading into the final stages, but a late try from Tom Holmes and a conversion from Dec Patton helped earn a dramatic victory for the Bulls.
Halifax Panthers returned to winning ways after defeating London Broncos 26-18 at the Shay. James Saltonstall secured a brace for the hosts, whilst Eribe Doro also notched a superb solo try on his Panthers debut.
Keighley Cougars secured their first points of 2023 after racking up 44 points against a spirited Newcastle Thunder side. 2022 Betfred League One top try-scorer Mo Agoro was among the try scorers for the Cougars.
Finally, Swinton Lions came from behind to run out 20-18 winners at home to Barrow Raiders. The Raiders led 18-10 with just ten minutes left, but two tries in the last six minutes through Josh Eaves and Jordan Gibson snatched the points for Swinton.
Round Three Results
- Sheffield Eagles 36-0 Batley Bulldogs
- Toulouse Olympique 36-0 York Knights
- Bradford Bulls 14-12 Widnes Vikings
- Featherstone Rovers 76-4 Whitehaven
- Halifax Panthers 26-18 London Broncos
- Keighley Cougars 44-24 Newcastle Thunder
- Swinton Lions 20-18 Barrow Raiders
