Championship round-up: QLT v PLT, huge win for Halifax & Odsal try-fest

Drew Darbyshire 14 May 2023 5:14 PM

Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e Sheffield Eagles Championship SWpix — Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

It was a thrilling weekend of Championship action, which saw Sheffield legend Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e play against his son Phoenix.

It was capital gains for London Broncos, who beat Barrow Raiders 30-16 on home soil.

Ethan Natoli, Billy Leyland, Iliess Macani, Oli Leyland and Jarred Bassett went over for the Broncos. Luke Broadbent, Ryan Shaw and Danny Langtree scored for Barrow.

It was another good win for Batley Bulldogs, with a drop goal from half-back Josh Woods sealing a 17-16 win over Toulouse Olympique at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium on Saturday.

Full-back Aidan McGowan, on loan from Huddersfield, score twice for the Bulldogs with Wales international Elliot Kear also getting on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, Anthony Marion, Robin Brochon and Josh Ralph scored Toulouse’s tries.

Halifax Panthers enjoyed a thrilling 60-0 win over Whitehaven at The Shay, running in 11 tries in total.

Scotland international Lachlan Walmsley continued his lead at the top of the try scoring charts in the Championship with four tries.

James Saltonstall, James Woodburn-Hall (2), Ben Kavanagh, Eribe Doro (2) and Jacob Fairbank also crossed the whitewash for the Panthers. Ireland international Joe Keyes kicked eight goals.

A moment to treasure forever

Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e Sheffield Eagles SWpix

Photo: SWpix.com

It was a special family occasion at Cougar Park on Sunday afternoon as Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e played against his son Phoenix for the first time ever. The pair previously played alongside each other for Keighley in 2021.

It was Quentin who claimed the bragging rights as Sheffield Eagles were too strong for Keighley Cougars, with the game finishing 46-18 in favour of Mark Aston’s side.

Kris Welham (2), Bayley Liu, Ben Jones-Bishop (2), Cory Aston, Matty Dawson-Jones and Vila Halafihi scored for Sheffield. Dane Chisholm, Alix Stephenson and Mark Ioane went over for the Cougars.

It was a try-fest at Odsal as Bradford Bulls ran-out 44-38 winners against Swinton Lions.

Kieran Gill, Brad England, Nathan Mason (2), David Foggin-Johnston (2) and Keven Appo went over for the Bulls.

As for Swinton, Jayden Hatton, Amir Bourouh, Rhodri Lloyd (2), Wesley Bruines and Andrew Badrock got on the scoresheet.

A hat-trick from Gareth Gale helped the impressive Featherstone Rovers extend their lead at the top of the Championship table as they won 30-0 at Widnes Vikings.

Jack Bussey, Craig Hall and Connor Jones also scored for Rovers, who are yet to lose this season.

The game also saw the 18th player used for just the second time as Will Tilleke came on for Widnes after three failed head injury assessments in the Vikings camp.

York Knights just did enough to claim the two points as they defeated Newcastle Thunder 26-22 at home.

James Glover (2), Joe Brown, Oli Field (2) and Oliver Pratt scored for York, whilst Ted Chapelhow, Gideon Boafo, Mitch Clark and Alex Donaghy went over for Thunder.

Thunder actually led 22-14 at the break before the Knights fought back to keep their opponents scoreless in the second half.