Good Friday did not disappoint in the Betfred Championship!
There was a Good Friday feast of brilliant Betfred Championship action...and here’s a breakdown of exactly what happened!
In a competition becoming far too difficult to predict the outcomes each week, the Good Friday tradition kicked off with an intense derby between Batley and Hunslet.
Hunslet, who were still searching for their first win of the Championship season, produced an emphatic performance in the first forty - with four tries to Batley’s two.
They soon extended this lead in the second half when Coby Nichol intercepted the ball and raced the length of the field to score.
The visitors looked to have put the game well and truly out of reach but the Bulldogs were by no means finished, and responded with late tries from Alistair Leak and Elliot Kear, reducing the deficit to four points with seven minutes left to play.
It was a nail-biting finish but Hunslet managed hold out and claim an incredible first win - the patience of the opening rounds finally paying off for Dean Muir’s men, having shown glimpses of what they are able to do.
Over at the DCBL Stadium, it was the tightest of tussles, with Widnes versus Oldham ending in a 10-10 draw.
Oldham had opened the scores through Mo Agoro, which happened to be the only score of the opening half. Jack Johnson’s try on the 47th minute then settled any nerves for the Roughyeds.
This was shortlived, however, as the Vikings produced a spirited comeback inspired by Rhodri Lloyd, who touched down twice to bring the scores level.
Both sides dominated opposite periods of the game and the two sets of stubborn defence ensured neither team would walk away pointless from the Easter Weekend.
There was late drama as both sides then missed drop goal attempts in a chaotic ending, but, eventually, the derby spoils would be shared.
Sean Long’s men are now two points off the top spot after Halifax’s unbeaten run came to an end on Good Friday.
There was a record Championship crowd present at The Shay this Easter, as 4,887 fans were there to witness a blistering battle between the table topping Panthers and Bradford Bulls.
‘Fax had been cruising 8-0 up in the first half and were favourites to continue their 100% winning start to the season.
James Meadows’ long range solo try just before the hooter gave the Bulls a lifeline, however, before Ronan Michael put Luke Hooley through a gap to score.
Despite incessant pressure towards the end of the game, Bradford held on for a famous Easter win and bragging rights, whilst Halifax slumped to their first league defeat of 2025.
Then, it was Doncaster who enjoyed derby day delight against local rivals Sheffield Eagles.
The Dons dominated this South Yorkshire Derby, scoring tries through Edene Gebbie (x2) and Reece Lyne.
Craig Hall then pinned a drop-goal during the final seconds to add the icing on the cake, securing a home victory against the Eagles that has been 11 years in the making.
In Cumbria, Barrow secured back-to-back victories courtesy of a Brad Walker masterclass.
The London Broncos had come to town, but a third-place Raiders always proved too strong.
Finally, a pulsating contest between Featherstone and York unfolded at the Millennium Stadium.
In a game of two halves, the Knights built a 16-point lead with tries from Joe Brown and two from Ben Jones-Bishop.
Rovers quickly took control of the second half though, replying with 24 unanswered points, before the Knights were able to respond with a try from Liam Harris.
There was a chance for York to snatch it at the death but they couldn’t quite capitalise, as Fev bagged their second win of the season.
Betfred Championship Round 7 results:
Batley Bulldogs 24 Hunslet 28
Widnes Vikings 10 Oldham 10
Doncaster 19 Sheffield Eagles 6
Halifax Panthers 8 Bradford Bulls 12
Barrow Raiders 24 London Broncos 6
Featherstone Rovers 24 York Knights 22
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship can be found here.
Photo Credit: Craig Irvine Photography
