Championship Review

Widnes defeated Halifax 42-16 on Friday, moving joint top of the Championship table. A late brace of scores from the visitors added some respectability to the scoreline, but it was always plain sailing for the Vikings. Paddy Flynn scored a hat-trick of tries.

Featherstone’s hopes of a top two finish was dented with a 34-18 defeat at home to Toulouse. Doubles from Planas and Gay proved crucial for the French side, who still harbour ambitions of a top four finish.

In the first relegation six-pointer of the weekend, Gateshead hosted Batley. The two teams produced a dramatic 34-34 tie, with both sides taking two points apiece. Late tries from Kevin Crouthers and Ian Preece snatched a share of the spoils for the Bulldogs.

Leigh survived a scare from bottom club Doncaster to boost their survival chances. The Centurions won 31-28, With a late Ian Mort try and Tom Hemingway drop goal securing the win.

To complete a weekend of enthralling Championship rugby, Whitehaven beat play-off rivals Sheffield 36-34. Jamie Theoharous and Craig Calvert crossed for braces.

In the Championship One, Dewsbury secured promotion with a 54-14 win at Keighley on Thursday. A ten-try showing from the Rams in front of the television cameras secured an emphatic return to the Championship.

On Sunday, Hunslet beat Blackpool 34-24.Workington notched a rare win at bottom side London Skolars, prevailing 24-18. A converted Martyn Wilson try four minutes from time secured the three points for Town.

Oldham appear to be back on track after a 48-28 win over Rochdale. Chris Baines scored twice.

And York won away at Swinton, 30-26. Danny Ratcliffe scored twice for the Knights, who held off a late rally from the hosts.