Two dramatic Betfred Championship semi-finals unfolded at the weekend, but it is now confirmed that York Knights will host Toulouse Olympique in the Grand Final next Sunday (K.O. 2pm).
The Knights already confirmed their place on Saturday evening with a 30-18 victory over Halifax Panthers - and will have home advantage as the highest-ranked finalist.
It was a tight and tense match at the LNER Community Stadium, but York did just enough to ensure the win.
Two quickfire tries from Ben Jones-Bishop and Scott Galeano put the hosts 10-0 up inside the first ten minutes.
Alfie Johnson managed to respond for ‘Fax, before the Knights went 22-6 ahead after further tries from Kieran Buchanan and Toa Mata’afa in the second half.
Kyle Eastwood’s spirited Panthers refused to give in, however, and back-to-back tries from Ben Crooks and Brandon Douglas brought them back to within four points.
There were a few nerves present around the stadium, but the hosts were able to secure victory via Mata’afa’s second, and a successful penalty goal from skipper Liam Harris.
York are through to their first ever Championship Grand Final in the modern era and are just one win away from completing a second-tier treble.
This was also their 20th consecutive win; in what has been a truly magnificent season for the North Yorkshire club.
Can Mark Applegarth’s men emulate Wakefield Trinity’s feat from last year?
Meanwhile, Toulouse produced a terrific comeback to stun Bradford Bulls at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday.
In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, there was an entertaining yet atonishing tale of two halves.
The Bulls had built up a strong 0-16 lead in the first forty, with tries from Jayden Okunbor, Waqa Blake and Matty Gee, and looked to be well on their way to banking their first ever Championship Grand Final appearance.
But an immediate swing in momentum would occur after the interval.
Olly Ashall-Bott danced his way over on the 43rd minute to kickstart a French fightback, with Reuben Rennie and Thomas Lacans scoring within less than five minutes of each other.
Ashall-Bott’s second try in the later stages would then claim semi-final spoils.
Okunbor’s second effort was a mere consolation at this point.
While it was celebrations for the hosts (24-20), it was sheer heartbreak for Brain Noble's Bulls as their wait for silverware goes on.
Sylvain Houles' men have now knocked Bradford out of the Play-Offs three years on the spin. They have also been involved in the Grand Final in each of their last four seasons spent in the Championship.
But who will be crowned 2025 champions next Sunday?
The Betfred Championship Grand Final will be streamed live on The Sportsman’s YouTube channel.
Betfred Championship Semi-Final results:
York Knights 30 Halifax Panthers 18
Toulouse Olympique 24 Bradford Bulls 20
The Betfred Championship Grand Final will take place on Sunday 5 October (K.O. 2pm) at the LNER Community Stadium in York.
Tickets will go on sale on Monday at 10am HERE.
Photo Credit: Toulouse Olympique
