Andy Morgan and Ian Golden review the weekend’s action in matches that featured Wales internationals and hopefuls. Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com
The Women’s Super League kicked off in style on Sunday when Leeds Rhinos hosted York Valkeryie in a repeat of last year’s Grand Final, with the away side taking revenge for last season’s defeat, coming out 34-12 winners. Wales dual-code international Bethan Dainton (pictured left tackling York’s Lacey Owen) was highly commended for her performance for Leeds in her Super League Group 1 debut.
In the men’s Super League, Gil Dudson was on the winning side as he returned to Catalans Dragons with his new club Warrington Wolves. However, the prop was suspended for five matches after being sent off for punching.
Caleb Aekins and Elliot Kear came head-to-head as Championship leaders Featherstone Rovers extended their unbeaten league campaign to eight games with victory over Batley Bulldogs. Ben Evans once again came on from the bench but couldn’t help Barrow Raiders to a win over rivals Whitehaven.
Ant Walker and Matty Fozard helped Widnes Vikings to bounce back from last week’s Betfred Challenge Cup upset by thumping Swinton Lions. The Lions had Mike Butt at full-back and welcomed back Rhodri Lloyd and Ollie Olds from injury – the latter spending ten minutes in the sin-bin during the second half.
Ce retour après 1 mois sans match à domicile 🤩
📷 David GIBSON pic.twitter.com/d6DC2I1kEY
— Toulouse Olympique XIII (@TOXIII) April 9, 2023
Curtis Davies started for Newcastle Thunder in their home defeat to Sheffield Eagles, who sit third in the Championship behind Toulouse Olympique. Josh Ralph starred for the French side, scoring two tries and being named man of the match in the 52-0 drubbing of London Broncos, who had Dalton Grant in their ranks. Bailey Antrobus continued in the front row for York Knights RLFC as they went down to Keighley Cougars. Finally, in the Monday night match, Luis Roberts was in the Bradford Bulls side as they sneaked a 26-22 win at Halifax Panthers.
In League One, North Wales Crusaders had Rob Massam in their side, but even a try from Owain Abel couldn’t help prevent a heartbreaking last-minute loss on their trip to Workington Town. Paul Bolger, Jake Lloyd, Harry Boots, Ieuan Badham and Charley Bodman all turned out for Cornwall as they suffered defeat to Doncaster.
Owen Restall and Connor Davies both started for Dewsbury Rams as they continued their strong start to the season with a hard-fought win at home to Hunslet. Sion Jones was in the Rochdale Hornets side who were blown away by Oldham, who scored 30 points in the opening 23 minutes on their way to a comprehensive win.
In Australia, Tyson Frizell was among the Newcastle Knights scorers as they won again in the NRL. Bradman Best created a try in the 34-24 win against New Zealand Warriors. It was also a big day for Sam Hughes as he made his NRL debut, featuring in the 50-16 defeat against South Sydney Rabbitohs. Harry Hayes was in the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs U21 side as they went down 24-16 at home to South Sydney Rabbitohs.
For full details on men’s Super League, Challenge Cup, Championship and League 1, plus Women’s and Wheelchair Super League, can be found at https://stats.rugbyleaguerecords.com/