Round 2 of the Betfred Championship delivered plenty of drama!
Dewsbury Rams, London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder and Rochdale Hornets all remain unbeaten, with Newcastle running up the biggest score of the weekend in a 54-6 demolition of Whitehaven.
Barrow Raiders impressed in the Saturday night opener by overpowering Salford, before Widnes Vikings bounced back from an opening defeat and Halifax Panthers picked up their first win of the season in style.
It was a real tussle at the DCBL Stadium, before Widnes rallied impressively to retake the lead against North Wales Crusaders in the final third of the game.
A textbook try from Matty Fozard set them in good stead, before Adam Lawton powered over from close range on his 150th career appearance.
The Vikings put the seal on a hard-earned victory five minutes from time, as Nathan Connell crossed for the decisive score.
Similarly, at The Shay, ‘Fax kept the Bulldogs scoreless in the second half to take an important two points.
There were last gasp victories for Goole Vikings and Midlands Hurricanes. A thriller played out at Heywood Road with Shane Touhey scoring a stunning try on the hooter.
Meanwhile, Matty Chrimes’ late acrobatic finish in the corner snatched a win for the Hurricanes against Doncaster.
And once again it was Jacob Hookem’s accuracy with the boot that proved crucial, as his last-minute penalty goal sealed victory for Dewsbury on home soil.
The Championship already looks its competitive best as we pause for the Betfred Challenge Cup competition this weekend where the second tier sides face Betfred Super League opposition…
Betfred Championship Round 2 results:
Barrow Raiders 38 Salford 4
Halifax Panthers 28 Batley Bulldogs 10
London Broncos 25 Oldham 8
Rochdale Hornets 20 Workington Town 14
Swinton Lions 24 Goole Vikings 28
Whitehaven 6 Newcastle Thunder 54
Widnes Vikings 28 North Wales Crusaders 14
Dewsbury Rams 22 Keighley Cougars 20
Midlands Hurricanes 26 Doncaster 24
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship and Betfred Challenge Cup competitions can be found here.
