Championship round-up

Halifax continued their impressive vein of form with a 72-0 rout of Batley on Thursday. Matt James and Andy Bowman both scored hat tricks for Matt Calland’s side.

In an entertaining encounter at Don Valley Stadium, new-boys Doncaster took away a 23-22 win from Sheffield. Tries came from Carey, Castle and Handforth, who also landed a late field goal to snatch all three points.

On Friday, pre-season league favourites Widnes Vikings‘ patchy form continued as they went down at home to local rivals Leigh. Despite leading since the early stages, a late Ian Mort try snatched the points away from Paul Cullen’s side, as Mort converted his score to give the Cenutrions a 10-8 win. Stuart Donlan scored Leigh’s first four points after the hour.

Featherstone took away a 23-2 win from Gateshead, with tries from Iestyn Harris, Jamie Field and Jack Lee.

In the clash of the Cumbrians, the season’s surprise package Barrow Raiders defeated Whitehaven 18-12. Butler, Mossop and Brocklehurst scored the points for Barrow, in front of a crowd of almost 3,000.

A last minute try from Andy Saywell gave Swinton a 16-12 win away at Blackpool in the Championship One. Neil Rigby‘s 76th minute try aided the comeback for the Lions, who’s first points came from Gary Hulse.

Chris Spurr scored three tries as Dewsbury hammered London Skolars 70-0.

Lee Mapals and Neil Lowe scored tries for Keighley as they beat York 13-12. A 77th minute drop goal from John Presley won the points for the Cougars.

A second half comeback from Oldham ensured a 26-18 victory at Rochdale. Tries came from Baines, Greenwood, Gibbons, Ballard and James Coyle.

Hunslet beat Workington away from home, taking a 24-16 success back to Leeds. Mark, Faal, Dooler and Wabo crossed for tries.