Ian Golden looks at the latest action from Welsh internationals and hopefuls as the season kicks off in earnest. Pic: Ian Lovell.
Cardiff Demons took a Super League scalp in the Women’s Challenge Cup last Saturday, beating Barrow Raiders 22-16 in their first group game. Skipper Leanne Burnell led the way with a brace of tries with Zoe Heeley and Seren Gough-Walters also crossing, the latter on her first game back in over two years following a serious injury.. Shaunni Davies kicked three goals. Other capped Welsh internationals who turned out for the Demons were Eleri Michael, Rhi Parker, Sara Jones, Jasmine Gibbons, Lauren Aitken, Charlie Mundy, Amy Price, Ffion Jenkins and Hannah Jones.
Elsewhere in the Challenge Cup, Wales captain Bethan Dainton scored a try in Leeds Rhinos’ win over Leigh Leopards, Brogan Evans came off the bench to make her Wigan Warriors debut in their win against her old club Salford Red Devils, Georgia Taylor did likewise for York Valkyrie in their victory at Sheffield Eagles, but Kathryn Salter was on the losing side for London Broncos at St Helens.
⚠ TRY ⚠
Luis Roberts puts the Rhinos in the lead 💪 pic.twitter.com/agpQIAbHRm
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) March 15, 2024
In the men’s Super League, Gil Dudson returned to Salford Red Devils who were close to a win over Wigan Warriors, whilst Luis Roberts scored Leeds Rhinos’ only try of the evening as they lost at home to St Helens.
In the men’s Championship, history was made at Dewsbury Rams on Sunday as Curtis Davies faced up to his twin Connor Davies for the first time in their lives in a competitive match. Connor’s Halifax Panthers side won 24-10.
Elsewhere on the opening weekend of the Championship season, Will Evans and Whitehaven got the better of Rhys Williams‘ Swinton Lions. Mike Butt and Rhodri Lloyd were both on the scoresheet for Widnes Vikings in their win over Barrow Raiders. Matty Fozard and Ant Walker were also both on the Widnes side with Max Clarke playing for Barrow. Caleb Aekins scored a try for Featherstone Rovers as they won at Batley Bulldogs, whilst Chester Butler‘s Bradford Bulls lost to Wakefield Trinity.
In League 1, Billy Walkley scored a try for Keighley Cougars as they beat Cornwall, the Choughs fielding Harry Boots and Jude Ferreira scored two for Hunslet as they beat Newcastle Thunder.
In the NRL in Australia, Bradman Best played in Newcastle Knights’ close defeat at North Queensland Cowboys, whilst in the NSW Cup, Josh Ralph was in action for St George Illawarra Dragons Reserves in their win over Knights’ reserve side.