Championship round-up: Batley ease past Eagles, Swinton go close, Widnes back to winning ways

Round 18 of the Betfred Championship saw plenty of action across the weekend…

Sheffield travelled to the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium to face an in-form Batley side, who have won four out of their last five matches. Winger Greg Johnson scored a hat-trick of tries, and Craig Lingard’s side dominated with a 56 – 12 victory over the Eagles side to continue their good run of form.

Bradford played host to bottom of the table Swinton at Odsal Stadium. There were tries from Brandon Pickersgill, Ross Oakes, George Flanagan and David Foggin-Johnston for the hosts.

The Lions attempted a second-half comeback with tries from Rhodri Lloyd and Martyn Ridyard but the visitors fell just short meaning the Bulls ran out 30-26 winners.

Craig Hall scored a hat-trick of tries as Featherstone romped too a spectacular 64-6 victory over Dewsbury. A dominant display also saw the fullback kick ten goals for his side.

Betfred Championship league leaders, Toulouse, visited Oldham and ran out 34-6 victors over the home side. Eloi Pelissier scored either side of the break whilst Martyn Reilly scored the hosts only try of the contest.

A struggling Widnes side managed to end their five-match losing streak after beating Halifax 25-6 which meant that the Panthers suffered their first defeat in the Betfred Championship since May.

And finally, York took on Whitehaven at the LNER Stadium. The home side took the lead early on with tries from Jack Teanby and Ben Jones-Bishop before Luke Walmsley hit back ten minutes later.

Marcus Stock, Perry Whiteley and Sam Scott all scored second-half tries to secure a 30-12 City Knights victory meaning they moved up to eighth position in the Championship table.

London’s visit to up north to Newcastle was postponed earlier in the week due to Covid-19.

Championship Round 18 results:

Batley Bulldogs 56 – 12 Sheffield Eagles

Bradford Bulls 30 – 26 Swinton Lions

Featherstone Rovers 46 – 6 Dewsbury Rams

Newcastle Thunder P – P London Broncos

Oldham 6 – 34 Toulouse Olympique

Widnes Vikings 25 – 6 Halifax Panthers

York City Knights 30 – 12 Whitehaven