League 1: Crusaders stun Swinton to go top & Midlands Hurricanes win

Drew Darbyshire
Patrick Ah Van North Wales Crusaders

Patrick Ah Van in action for North Wales Crusaders

North Wales Crusaders came up with a stunning performance to beat League 1 favourites Swinton 13-6 to go top of the table.

The Welsh outfit have enjoyed a superb start to the 2022 campaign, having won four from four in League 1.

Anthony Murray’s Crusaders came up with their second win at Swinton in 2022, having turned the Lions over in the Challenge Cup earlier this season.

Alex Eckley and Gav Rodden scored the tries for Crusaders, whilst Germany international Brad Billsborough added a drop goal late on to secure the win.

In the other League 1 game on Easter Sunday, Midlands Hurricanes beat fellow expansion club London Skolars 50-28 on home soil.

Benn Hardcastle (2), David Foggin-Johnston, Hayden Freeman (2), Elliott Windley (2) and Liam Welham (2) scored for the Hurricanes.

There were two games in League 1 on Good Friday. Rochdale Hornets claimed the bragging rights in a Greater Manchester derby against Oldham thanks to a 34-18 win at the Crown Oil Arena.

Ireland international Gregg McNally and Lewis Sheridan scored two tries each for the Hornets, whilst Dan Nixon and Cian Tyrer also scored. Owen Restall bagged a hat-trick for Oldham.

Keighley Cougars picked up a 20-16 win away at Hunslet on Good Friday. Bradley Ho, Charlie Graham, Jack Miller and Mo Agoro went over for the Cougars. Harvey Hallas and Wayne Reittie scored for the hosts.

Cornwall couldn’t get their first win on the board as they fell to a heavy 52-16 defeat at Doncaster.

Former Carcassonne star Robbie Storey scored twice for the Dons, as did Ben Johnston. Brad Foster, Ben Howe, Tom Halliday, Travirusadferss Corion and Sam Smeaton got on the scoresheet for Richard Horne’s side.

West Wales Raiders didn’t play this week due to there being 11 teams in League 1 this season.

League 1 results:

Rochdale Hornets 34-18 Oldham

Hunslet 16-20 Keighley Cougars

Doncaster 52-16 Cornwall

Midlands Hurricanes 50-28 London Skolars

Swinton Lions 6-13 North Wales Crusaders

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