League 1 round-up: Workington reach play-off final

Drew Darbyshire

Ireland international Dec O'Donnell in action for Workington (photo courtesy of 40/20pix)

Workington are in the League 1 play-off final after an 18-16 win over Keighley.

Workington half-back Carl Forber held his nerve to kick a penalty in golden point extra-time to seal an 18-16 win for his side against Keighley at Derwent Park. Workington will have home advantage in the final.

Elsewhere in the League 1 play-offs, Matty Beharrell scored a try and kicked eight goals to inspire Doncaster to a 48-34 win over North Wales at Colwyn Bay.

The Dons’ win over Crusaders sees them move into the play-off semi-finals and set up a tie against Keighley, who will have a second bite at the cherry.

Meanwhile in the Championship, Halifax and Batley have progressed to the Championship play-off semi-finals after wins on Saturday.

Halifax face a local clash with Featherstone thanks to a 24-20 win over Whitehaven.

Conor McGrath, Matty Garside (2) and James Woodburn-Hall crossed for the Panthers in their narrow victory over the Cumbrians.

Whitehaven’s defeat saw Gary Charlton’s time as head coach come to an end as he takes up a new role as director of rugby. His assistant, Jonty Gorley, will take the head coaching reins.

Batley face a trip to undefeated table toppers Toulouse after beating Bradford 23-10.

Tom Gilmore, who is shortlisted for the Championship Player of the Year award, produced another man of the match display to inspire the Bulldogs to victory over the Bulls, scoring a try, kicking five goals and a drop-goal.

Toulouse’s clash with Batley takes place on Saturday at 3:15pm, followed by Halifax’s trip to Featherstone at 5:30pm. Both semi-finals will be shown live on Sky Sports Mix.