Championship round-up: Leigh nil York, Featherstone edge Bradford, London win away at Widnes

James Messenger

There is a three-way tie at the top after the latest round of Betfred Championship action. 

Leigh made it three wins from three as they recorded an emphatic 34-0 victory over York at Leigh Sports Village.

Liam Forsyth crossed twice in the first 40 minutes before second-half scores from Iain Thornley, Liam Hood, Ben Hellewell and Matthew Wildie wrapped up the two points for John Duffy’s side.

Toulouse also extended their unbeaten start to the season with a 26-14 win away at Sheffield.

Stan Robin (2), James Bell and Paul Marcon all crossed for the French side, with Mark Kheirallah adding 10 points from the boot. Zach McComb, Joel Farrell and Rob Worrincy scored for the hosts, but it couldn’t prevent them from suffering a third straight defeat.

London continued their impressive start to the campaign with a commanding 38-12 win away at Widnes. 

The Broncos had a 32-2 lead midway through the second half thanks to scores from Josh Walters, Kieran Dixon, Matty Fozard, Eddie Battye, Eloi Pelissier, Tuoyo Egodo and Cory Aston. Deon Cross and Jack Owens reduced the deficit slightly, but Cory Aston’s late try added further gloss to the scoreline for the visitors.

Featherstone made it back-to-back wins with a gritty 30-22 win away at Bradford. 

Both sides remained close throughout the contest, but Ben Blackmore’s try six minutes from time ensured Rovers edged proceedings. Their other tries came courtesy of Callum McLelland, James Harrison, Jack Bussey and Craig Hall.

Batley picked up their first win of the 2020 campaign with a 20-10 win over Swinton. 

Johnny Campbell (2), Dane Manning and Michael Ward all scored for the Bulldogs, with Mitch Cox and Frankie Halton replying for the hosts.

Halifax’s clash with Dewsbury was postponed after Fax’s pitch was deemed unplayable following inspection. The game will now be played on Tuesday evening.

Oldham edged past Whitehaven 16-14 at the Recreation Ground in the Sunday evening kick-off.

Gareth Owen and Dan Abram went over for the Roughyeds, with Abram kicking four goals in what was a crucial win for Matt Diskin’s side in the wet and windy weather up in Cumbria.

Championship Round 2 results:

Batley Bulldogs 20-10 Swinton Lions

Bradford Bulls 22-30 Featherstone Rovers

Halifax P-P Dewsbury Rams

Leigh Centurions 34-0 York City Knights

Sheffield Eagles 14-26 Toulouse Olympique

Widnes Vikings 12-38 London Broncos

Whitehaven 14-16 Oldham