A relentless York Knights edged ever closer to winning the League Leaders’ Shield in the Betfred Championship with a statement victory over Toulouse in the south of France.
The Knights overturned an eight-point deficit in Round 23's top of the table clash to take a crucial two points, which puts them four points clear and in the driving seat for a first-place finish.
Two York tries from Scott Galeano and Oli Field in the space of five minutes in the second half proved vital, as Mark Applegarth’s side extended their winning run in the league to 15 games.
It was a Friday Night to remember for Bradford Bulls as well, who posted a whopping 70 points on a struggling Sheffield Eagles outfit.
Brian Noble’s Bulls produced a ruthless 12-try display to move back into second in the table, with Guy Armitage and Luke Hooley both scoring hat-tricks.
On Saturday, Widnes Vikings breathed new life into their late charge for a Play-Off place with a strong win on the road over Featherstone.
Widnes struck first through Matt Fleming, before Fev replied through Gareth Gale.
It was a closely fought first forty, and then right before the break, the Vikings would reassert control when Jack Owens’ clever kick was grounded by Mike Butt in the corner. This gave Widnes an eight-point advantage at half-time.
Allan Coleman’s men then carried that momentum straight into the second half. Ben Condon powered over from close range off a short ball from Dec Patton, before Owens sliced through the Rovers defence minutes later to put the Vikings 20 points clear.
Featherstone did respond with two late tries, but Widnes had the last say as Jon Bennison slipped a tackle to race 80 metres for the game-sealing try.
Widnes now find themselves one point from sixth place.
Sunday’s action saw Play-Off rivals Doncaster and Barrow Raiders face off at the Eco-Power Stadium.
And it was a very determined performance from the Raiders who claimed an impressive two points to keep their top six hopes alive.
They found themselves 18-0 ahead inside the opening quarter, thanks to tries from Luke Broadbent, Shane Toal and Ryan Johnston – and never really looked back.
Finally, Oldham joined York, Bradford and Toulouse in securing their 2025 Play-Off place with a tough win against London in the capital.
Tries from new signing Ethan Ryan, Jay Chapelhow and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e saw the Roughyeds come from behind three times to secure a vital victory that means a top-four finish can also be guaranteed with a home win over Doncaster at Boundary Park next Sunday.
Meanwhile, Batley enjoyed a big win over Hunslet.
Betfred Championship Round 23 results:
Toulouse Olympique 8 York Knights 16
Sheffield Eagles 8 Bradford Bulls 70
Featherstone Rovers 14 Widnes Vikings 30
Hunslet 6 Batley Bulldogs 40
Doncaster 22 Barrow Raiders 32
London Broncos 18 Oldham 22
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship can be found here.
