This week’s Betfred League One action kicked off with Magic Friday at Blaydon RFC in Newcastle, with Thunder versus Workington Town.
The fixture kickstarted a feast of Rugby League entertainment in the Northeast, ahead of the Betfred Super League Magic Weekend – and it was Town who enjoyed an 11-try victory on Friday night.
On Saturday, a Luke Forber hat-trick helped Rochdale Hornets to a third successive league win as they hit half a century of points against Goole Vikings in front of their home crowd.
Then, North Wales Crusaders fell to their first league defeat of the 2025 season after an enthralling encounter at Heywood Road on the Sunday.
It was a tale of two halves, with league leaders North Wales initially up at the break 16 points to 6, with tries from Jordy Gibson, Patrick Ah Van and Ollie Brookes.
Swinton soon found their rhythm in the second stanza, however, with some superb scores from Jack Stevens and Ellis Anderson.
Josh Eaves managed to hit back for the Crusaders after forcing his way over the line from close range but later tries from Dan Abram and Frank Sergent for the hosts would see them clinch victory.
On the back of this result, Swinton move to second place and are level on points with North Wales.
The fourth tie of Round 8 saw a pulsating contest between Dewsbury and Whitehaven.
Paul March’s men opened up a 12-point lead in the first quarter before they were made to work hard by Haven in the remainder to earn a gutsy 24-24 draw.
Betfred League One Round 8 results:
Newcastle Thunder 0 Workington Town 62
Rochdale Hornets 50 Goole Vikings 6
Swinton Lions 26 North Wales Crusaders 20
Whitehaven 24 Dewsbury Rams 24
The full fixture list for the Betfred League One can be found here.
Photo Credit: Swinton Lions
