What happened over the Easter Weekend in Betfred League One?
The standings in Betfred League One are the tightest they have been this year - following a huge Easter weekend!
Workington ended an eight year wait for a derby day victory in a brutal affair against their nearest and dearest Whitehaven.
Another Cumbrian derby went to the wire on Good Friday, as the two sides renewed their rivalry at the Fibrus Community Stadium in front of 2,310 spectators - the best League One gate so far in 2025.
Town defeated Haven 10-8, with a Jake Carter penalty conversion the only difference between the two Cumbrian outfits on the day.
There was another low-scoring contest between neighbours Rochdale and Swinton.
It was a real arm wrestle of an 80 minutes, with Elijah Simpson opening the scores for the Hornets, before Swinton's Ellis Anderson crossed in the corner. Both tries were converted and the scores locked in at 6-6.
But with the seconds running down to the half-time hooter, the Lions took the lead when Reece Briers landed a drop goal.
Morgan Punchard then kicked a penalty on the 59th minute to edge Hornets back in front, as the hosts held on to win an enthralling derby match.
Goole Vikings recorded their first ever League One victory in what was an impressive performance against Keighley Cougars at Cougar Park.
Tries from Alex Holdstock, Manoa Wacokecoke, Neil Tchamambe and Jeylan Hodgson helped secure a memorable win as the Vikings tasted Good Friday action for the first time.
They had had to overturn an initial 12-0 deficit, however, but were finally able to get off the mark in 2025 and left Keighley still looking for their first win.
Elsewhere, Dewsbury enjoyed an excellent Easter win over Newcastle, whilst North Wales Crusaders maintained a 100% winning start to their League One campaign.
Similar to Goole Vikings, the Crusaders also had to fight back from 12-0 down and were up against current league leaders Midlands at the Alexander Stadium.
Efforts from Ross Coates and Matty Chrimes had put Midlands ahead before Matt Reid brought North Wales Crusaders back into it after an incredible interception try.
The visitors then proved unstoppable as the game went on, with a blitz of Crusaders scores in the second half through Jordy Gibson, Patrick Ah Van and Sam Wilde.
It had been a Gibson-inspired performance throughout as he scored his second and as then as the hooter sounded, Crusaders wrapped up victory via Ant Walker, with the Welsh international scoring his first try for the club to secure a huge victory at the Alexander Stadium.
Despite defeat, the Hurricanes remain one point clear at the top, but chasing them down are Whitehaven, North Wales Crusaders, Dewsbury Rams and Swinton Lions who are all on eight points…
Betfred League One Round 6 results:
Rochdale Hornets 8 Swinton Lions 7
Workington Town 10 Whitehaven 8
Dewsbury Rams 56 Newcastle Thunder 6
Keighley Cougars 18 Goole Vikings 24
Midlands Hurricanes 18 North Wales Crusaders 31
The full fixture list for the Betfred League One can be found here.
Photo Credit: Ben Challis
