The Betfred Championship is heating up, and on Saturday, Barrow Raiders claimed a fourth straight win in Round 16, as they beat Sheffield Eagles.
It was a closely fought contest at the Northern Competitions Stadium, before a penalty goal converted by Brad Walker edged it for the hosts.
The rest of the second-tier action took place on Sunday.
Batley and Halifax turned up the intensity in their local derby, with both sides scoring four tries a piece, but it was Ben Reynolds’ goal-kicking which proved to be the difference.
Hunslet leap-frogged above Salford into 14th place in the table after a hard-fought victory at The South Leeds Stadium.
The hosts were always in control with tries from Billy Jowitt, Dan Abram, Charlie Graham and Myles-Dalton Harrop.
It was six straight wins for Newcastle Thunder, as they recorded a ruthless win over Keighley Cougars.
Thunder ran fourteen tries past their opponents, including a Brad Ward hat-trick and Jordan Lipp double, as they moved above Barrow and into second place.
Meanwhile, Jay Weatherill scored four tries in Whitehaven’s big win over North Wales Crusaders. That’s three wins on the spin for Haven, as they move to within three points of the Play-Off places.
Oldham survived a late comeback against Workington Town, with Matty Ashurt’s late try securing the victory.
The Roughyeds were leading comfortably at the break, 22-6, but an incredible Town revival in the second stanza almost saw a shock on the cards.
Tries from Tyce Walmsley, Braden Leigh and Rio Corkill put the home side in front for the first time, with around 15 minutes to go.
They were unable to hold out, however, with Ashurst completing his hat-trick on the 77th minute to snatch the spoils, as well as an important two points for the visitors.
This win sees Oldham keep tabs on Barrow and Newcastle, whilst league leaders London Broncos are four points clear with a game in hand.
Saturday 13 June
Barrow Raiders 18 Sheffield Eagles 16
Sunday 14 June
Batley Bulldogs 26 Halifax Panthers 22
Hunslet RLFC 22 Salford RLFC 12
Keighley Cougars 0 Newcastle Thunder 74
Whitehaven RLFC 80 North Wales Crusaders 12
Workington Town 24 Oldham RLFC 28
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship can be found here.
Photo Credit: Halifax Panthers
