Dewsbury win relegates rivals

Dewsbury’s surprise 30-6 win at Leigh confirmed Whitehaven and Keighley’s relegation from the Championship.

Keighley go down at the first time of asking, having been hampered by a nine point deduction imposed upon them for entering administration in the close season, while Whitehaven have had a turbulent year.

The Cumbrian side were National League 1 minor premiers as recently as 2005 and reached a Northern Rail Cup final in 2007, losing to Widnes, but they have collapsed to 15 defeats in 17 outings this season, with many fans calling for the head of coach Ged Stokes.

It is believed Whitehaven are gripped by financial worries, and their relegation could push them closer to administration.

Keighley could still finish above Whitehaven, despite their handicap, having picked up a credible four wins this season, the same as Dewsbury, who ensured their survival with an impressive display against the Centurions.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Featherstone missed out on the chance to secure the league leaders title in front of their home fans, falling to a 32-30 loss against Sheffield.

The Rovers need just one point to make sure of the title ahead of rivals Halifax, but must now wait until next weekend against Batley. The defeat against the Eagles was just their second of the season.

Sheffield’s win was a vital one for them, as it gives them a five point cushion in the play-off places, ahead of rivals Batley, Toulouse and Widnes, who now find themselves with a fight on their hands to even make the play-offs after a disappointing campaign.

Paul Cullen’s side lost 30-16 to Halifax on Thursday, refusing a late penalty goal which would have earned them a bonus point and lifted them in to 6th place. The Vikings travel to Toulouse, who were beaten by Barrow at the weekend, on Saturday in a must-win game.