There was a shock in Round 18 of Betfred League One this weekend, as league leaders North Wales were defeated by second-placed Swinton.
The Lions find themselves just two points behind the Crusaders after a solid performance away at Colwyn Bay.
It was a fiercely fought encounter throughout but it was Swinton ended up taking a 4-18 lead at the break.
And although North Wales attempted a second half comeback, Harry Higham sealed the win with a late score which also saw the visitors achieve a league double over their opponents and are the only side to have beaten Carl Forster’s team in 2025.
Meanwhile, Dewsbury Rams moved into fourth on points difference following a convincing away win at Newcastle.
Their competition for fourth spot are Midlands and Rochdale who sit in fifth and sixth, and Rochdale also kept their Play-Off hopes alive on Sunday with an epic win against Whitehaven.
A points fest well and truly unravelled at Crown Oil Arena, but the Hornets ensured they came out on the right side of things.
Finally, Workington withheld a Keighley comeback in a cracking game of two halves.
The Cumbrian outfit racked up a 19-0 lead at half-time, courtesy of Rio Corkhill's effort, Mason Lewthwaite’s double and a Jake Carter drop goal.
The damage appeared to be done, but the Cougars fought back through Junior Sa’u, Brad England and two Oli Burton tries.
Corkhill’s second for Town, however, proved to be the vital difference as they go on to further consolidate their place in the top four.
Betfred League One Round 18 results:
North Wales Crusaders 12 Swinton Lions 24
Rochdale Hornets 36 Whitehaven 32
Workington Town 25 Keighley Cougars 22
Newcastle Thunder 10 Dewsbury Rams 64
The full fixture list for the Betfred League One can be found here.
Photo Credit: Swinton Lions
