Gwylio’r Cymry/Welsh Watch: Mai 31-Mehefin 4

June 7, 2023
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Ian Golden, Harry Jones and Andy Morgan review the weekend’s action in matches that featured Wales internationals and hopefuls. Pic: Cornwall Sports Media.

Both of Wales’ Wheelchair sides were in action on Saturday. In the day’s early kick-off, Torfaen Tigers took on former Super League side, Hereford Harriers in the second of their three league encounters this season. Hereford’s Welsh internationals Martin Lane and Gary Preece were on fire with the latter coming away with a try double and 10 conversions, whilst the former got himself a four-try haul. Torfaen didn’t go down without a fight as internationals, Lee Sargent, Jamie and Jason Reynolds and recent call-up Alex Powell all put in valiant performances, Powell being instrumental for his side, securing a solitary conversion whilst international youngster Jamie Reynolds scored three tries and two conversions. The remainder of the Tigers points came through tries from Darran Dowey and Julian Osborne, whilst Leighton Morris got himself on the scoreboard with a solitary try and conversion. The Harriers eventually came away with a 64-32 victory.

In the day’s afternoon kick-off, North Wales Crusaders travelled to Robin Park to take on Wigan Warriors ‘A’ in a top-of-the-table clash and took control in the opening 20 minutes with tries from Stuart Williams, Ricki Davies and a Harry Jones double whilst Stephen Halsey was successful from the tee on all occasions. Welsh International Mark Williams was instrumental in the Wigan fightback, scoring once but a Halsey try on the stroke of half-time, gave the Crusaders the boost they needed, going into half-time with a tender 30-26 lead. The second half is where the Crusaders came into their stride. There was a hat-trick of tries from Davies, whilst Stuart Williams, Mason Baker and Jones all crossed, the latter completing his hat-trick. Halsey added five conversions and two penalties. Wigan had the last say with Mark Williams’ second try but the Crusaders extended their undefeated streak to 10 games (13 including forfeited fixtures) and secured a play-off spot with a 72-42 victory.

 

 

In Betfred League One, North Wales Crusaders’ men’s side continued their uptick in form with a third straight win. London Skolars were on the end of a 60-6 loss, with Rob Massam scoring a brace for Crusaders. Harry Boots, Jake Lloyd and Ewan Badham all played for Cornwall, Boots in his 50th career game, as they were kept scoreless in defeat at Workington Town. 

In the Betfred Championship, there was no stopping the relentless Featherstone Rovers once again last weekend. Caleb Aekins scored a try in a comprehensive 64-4 win over Barrow Raiders. Josh Ralph and his Toulouse Olympique XIII are in the chasing pack, with Ralph helping the French club to a home win against Halifax Panthers. 

International teammates Curtis Davies and Chester Butler faced-off as Newcastle Thunders hosted Bradford Bulls. It was Butler and the Bulls who claimed the win. Elliot Kear was again a try scorer as Batley Bulldogs were victors against York Knights RLFC. Rhodri Lloyd and Gav Bennion both started the match for Swinton Lions as they claimed an impressive away win against Keighley Cougars. Matty Fozard’s Widnes Vikings went down to London Broncos in the Championship’s other fixture. 

After scoring a brace of tries against St Helens in Super League Reserves last week, Luis Roberts returned to the Leeds Rhinos first team at the Betfred Super League Magic Weekend in Newcastle, but his side went down 28-24 to Castleford Tigers in a thriller. Gil Dudson was the Warrington Wolves side who lost 30-18 to Hull FC despite taking an early 12-0 lead.

Cardiff Demons had a strong start to the new Women’s Super League South season, beating Golden Ferns 56-0. Wales internationals Rhi Parker and Charlie Mundy were amongst the try scorers with Amberley Ruck converting one of the tries. Eleri Michael, Sara Jones, Ffion Jones, Sara Prosser and Joeann McGuire were the other capped Welsh internationals in the side.

Finally, In Australia, Tyson Frizell made a return with New South Wales in their opening State of Origin defeat to Queensland in Adelaide, 

Semi Professional Clubs, Super League, Wheelchair RL, Womens RL