Swinton claim shock win over Toulouse as ex-Warrington forward receives two yellow cards
Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Swinton kicked off the Championship weekend with a stunning 19-12 win over Toulouse.
Bolstered by new signings Ben Davies, Luke Thomas and George Roby, Allan Coleman’s side claimed only their third win of the season.
Jake Spedding’s try midway through the first half put them ahead, with Davies adding the conversion and a penalty on his first appearance on dual-registration from St Helens.
Toulouse forward Sitaleki Akauola didn’t help his side’s cause, receiving a yellow card in either half, the first shortly before Spedding’s opener.
They built on their 8-0 half-time lead with Louis Brogan’s converted try eight minutes in to the second half, with a conversion and two further Davies penalties putting them 18-0 up after Akauola’s second spell in the sin bin.
Jordan Gibson’s drop goal 11 minutes from time gave them a four score advantage, and though Toulouse rallied late on, it was enough to send the French side to their third defeat of the season.
Akauola and Dom Peyroux both crossed for tries, converted by Jake Shorrocks, but it was too little too late for Sylvain Houles’ men.
Mathieu Laguerre and Ugo Tison featured on dual-registration from Catalans, and there was a long-awaited debut for Scotland international Calum Gahan.
The result moves Swinton three points clear of the relegation zone, while Toulouse could fall six points behind leaders Featherstone if they beat Sheffield on Sunday.
If Sheffield beat Featherstone, the Eagles will leapfrog Toulouse, and Widnes could move level on points with them too if they beat Batley in Monday night’s televised game.
Swinton were beaten 66-18 when they last hosted Toulouse, back in May 2021.
Swinton: Lowe, Spedding, Davies, Lloyd, Romeo, Olds, Gibson, Baker, Eaves, Case, Rodden, Badrock, Gregson. Subs: Roby, Brogan, Hall, Thomas (Butt)
Toulouse: Brochon, Marcon, Jussaume, Laguerre, Armitage, Ralph, Shorrocks, Hansen, Pelissier, Richards, Peyroux, Bretherton, Marion. Subs: Pezet, Akauola, Biscarro, Tison (Lima)
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