There were some big score-lines in Betfred League One on Sunday, as the 2024 campaign got underway...
Keighley Cougars started life back in League One in style after defeating Cornwall RLFC at Cougar Park. It was ten tries to two, as the visitors conceded four tries in the opening fifteen minutes - including a try from Ellis Robson, who went on to score a hat-trick for the hosts.
Meanwhile, Hunslet enjoyed an emphatic Round 1 victory over Newcastle Thunder, but the West Yorkshire outfit were certainly put to the test when Thunder took an early lead through Harry Lowery. 40 unanswered points would then follow for the home side as they secured their first win - although it was certainly an improvement in performance for the Newcastle side.
It was a thriller over at the Alexander Stadium, as a scoring spree unfolded between Midlands Hurricanes and Rochdale Hornets. History was also made on Sunday as this Hurricanes home fixture became the first one ever to be played inside the main stadium arena at Alexander Stadium - and it was a fixture that did not disappoint. The match was evenly contested, before two late tries from Hornets' debutant Jonny Ophenshaw and Joe Hartley would seal their first win away.
Lastly, Sean Long's men began their 2024 campaign with a strong 10-48 win in Cumbria against Workington Town. They ran in an eight-try spectacle, including a brace from new signing Joe Wardle, as Jamie Ellis kept consistent with the boot, converting eight from eight kicks.
Betfred League One Round 1 results:
Keighley Cougars 56 Cornwall RLFC 12
Hunslet RLFC 40 Newcastle Thunder 12
Midlands Hurricanes 28 Rochale Hornets 38
Workington Town 10 Oldham RLFC 48
The full fixture lists for Betfred Championship and Betfred League One can be found here.
Photo Credit: Keighley Cougars
