Toulouse thump York in opening game of Championship play-offs

Toulouse sent a statement of intent to the rest of their Championship play-off rivals after brushing aside York 44-6 in the opening game of the Betfred Championship play-offs.

Despite finishing just one point behind the French side at the end of the regular season, James Ford’s injury-hit Knights side were unable to shock their full-time opponents in searing heat at the Stade Ernest-Argelès.

Mark Kheirallah starred for Olympique, crossing twice in the first-half as the hosts led 22-6 at the break.

Anthony Marion’s score gave the French side further breathing space, and they eventually wrapped up a relatively comfortable victory as Mathieu Jussaume, Johnathon Ford and Stan Robin all crossed in the final 15 minutes.

Despite posting their only four-pointer courtesy of Matt Chilton’s first-half score, York still showed real character and determination and know that all is not lost, despite their defeat in the south of France.

Next week, they will welcome the winners of this afternoon’s match-up between Leigh and Featherstone to Bootham Crescent. before the winners of that game travel to face either Toronto or Toulouse, depending who loses at Lamport Stadium next weekend.

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