Championship: Featherstone fall to first home defeat & Widnes complete comeback

A round-up from today’s results in the Championship, including a first home defeat for Featherstone Rovers.

Brian McDermott’s Featherstone fell to their first home defeat of the season to Batley Bulldogs. Craig Lingard’s side claimed a 28-20 victory at Post Office Road.

Tries from Dane Manning, Luke Hooley and Adam Gledhill gave the hosts a 18-16 lead at the break. A further four-pointer from James Meadows and a second from Hooley saw the visitors claim the two Championship points on offer. The Bulldogs are unbeaten against promotion-chasing Featherstone in the league, having drawn 20-20 earlier this season.

Widnes completed a second-half comeback at home over London Broncos. The visitors led 22-10 at the break, however the Vikings scored 16 points to complete a 26-22 triumph.

Kieran Dixon crossed for a try on his Widnes debut, on loan from Leigh alongside Centurions team-mate Luis Roberts. Sam Wilde also scoring in the first half, while Danny Craven, Joe Edge and Ryan Ince all scored in the second 40.

Elsewhere in the Championship

There were 88-points scored in the north as Newcastle Thunder claimed a 66-22 victory at home over Workington Town. Sam Halsall scoring a hat-trick. Isaac Nokes (2), Alex Foster, Josh Eaves, Brad Day (2) and Mitch Clark also amongst the scorers. 

York City Knights defeated Whitehaven 40-16 at the LEL Arena. Tries from Jordan Thompson, Jamie Ellis, AJ Towse (2), Bailey Antrobus, Joe Brown and Brendon O’Hagan for James Fords’ side.

Bradford Bulls secured a 48-6 victory over Dewsbury Rams. The hosts opened the scoring for Ryan Millar, before Bradford ran in 48-unanswered points at the Tetley’s Stadium.

On Friday, Leigh Centurions defeated Sheffield Eagles 58-4. Joe Mellor and Ben Reynolds scoring while Adam Sidlow, Joe Wardle and Edwin Ipape all crossed for a brace each.

Over the weekend, Adrian Lam’s Centurions confirmed the signing of Josh Charnley on loan from Warrington. The international winger will then join the side permanently in 2023 on a two-year deal.

Barrow Raiders host Halifax Panthers on Monday night, live on Premier Sports.

PODCAST: John Kear on international rugby league, re-structure & new Widnes role