Ian Golden, Harry Jones and Andy Morgan review the weekend’s action in matches that featured Wales internationals and hopefuls. Pic: SW Pix
Lucie Boyd-Ward couldn’t claim her fourth Wheelchair Challenge Cup winners medal. She scored a try (pictured), but her Leeds Rhinos side were beaten by Catalans Dragons on Sunday. Also on Sunday, a number of capped Wales internationals were in action in the WRL Wheelchair Invitational League in London, including current squad members Lee Sargent and Gary Preece whilst others were competing in the farewell matches for Wales Wheelchair captain Stuart Williams where North Wales Crusaders hammered Warrington Wolves 95-6. Harry Jones, Lucie Roberts, Mason Baker and Stephen Halsey played alongside Williams for Crusaders.
In the Women’s Super League, Carys Marsh came off the bench for Wigan Warriors, but they were soundly beaten by York Valkyrie, who claimed their second straight League Leaders Shield in the process. Bethan Dainton and Leeds Rhinos bounced back from their Challenge Cup Final defeat last week as they beat Warrington Wolves 58-10. Keira McCosh starred in Leigh Leopard’s win over Salford Red Devils.
In the men’s Super League, Gil Dudson came off the bench for Warrington Wolves in their narrow defeat at Leeds Rhinos.
ROUND 22 HALIFAX MATCH GALLERY!!
Some of the best images from our Championship round 22 matchup vs @HalifaxPanthers
1/2#WeAreLondon 🏉 pic.twitter.com/w4LCZ9yTbR
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) August 21, 2023
In the Betfred Championship, Matty Fozard was a leading light for Widnes Vikings as they came out on the wrong end of a high-scoring clash with York Knights – the Knights running out 40-30 winners. Dalton Grant was in the London Broncos team who earned an impressive win against Halifax Panthers. Curtis Davies and Newcastle Thunder are still threatened with relegation after their defeat at Bradford Bulls. Ben Evans scored a crucial try for Barrow Raiders in their bid to avoid the drop, with the Raiders getting the better of Cumbrian rivals, Whitehaven.
At the top end of the table, Caleb Aekins helped Featherstone Rovers to a win at Sheffield Eagles. Rovers also had retired international, Craig Kopczak in their ranks. Toulouse Olympique XIII lead the chasing pack, earning a win against Swinton Lions, who named both Gav Bennion and Rhodri Lloyd in their matchday squad.
In Betfred League One, there was a welcome return to action for Kyle Huish, making his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury more than 14 months ago. He was in the Rochdale Hornets side that lost narrowly to Oldham. Ewan Badham, Jake Lloyd and Ieuan Badham all turned out for Cornwall as they were hammered on their trip to Doncaster.
In the NRL, Bradman Best and Newcastle Knights continued their fine run of form. Best scored another try as the Knights made it seven straight wins as they set sights on the play-offs. Tyson Frizell was also in the Knights team.
Sam Hughes played in Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ reserves defeat at Canberra Raiders.
Meanwhile in Canada, Matty Barron captained Toronto Wolfpack for a second time as their revival in the new domestic competition continued.