Ian Golden and Andy Morgan review the weekend’s action in matches that featured Wales internationals and hopefuls. Pic: Andrew Cudbertson
In Betfred League One, North Wales Crusaders were winners against Rochdale Hornets. The prolific Rob Massam was among the five try scorers for Crusaders in a victory that lifted them to sixth in the table. Dewsbury Rams still set a relentless pace at the top, but were made to work hard for their win against Midlands Hurricanes. Owen Restall and Connor Davies once again turned out for the Rams.
Bradman Best gets his first hat-trick in his #NRL career 🎩 #NRLBulldogsKnights pic.twitter.com/cCiIxKlxR9
— NRL (@NRL) July 2, 2023
In Australia, Bradman Best scored a first career hat-trick in Newcastle Knights’ 66-0 win against Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Best was also selected in the New South Wales squad for the third match of the 2023 Origin Series against Queensland (July 12). Tyson Frizell also played in the huge win for the Knights. It was the joint third-biggest win in the 25-year NRL history, coming just a week after the record was broken by North Queensland Cowboys. In the curtain raiser, the two side’s reserves met in the NSW Cup and Harry Hayes came off the bench for Bulldogs as they also lost, this time with the lower score of 38-12.
Back in Europe, Featherstone Rovers were in the winner’s circle once more in the Betfred Championship. Caleb Aekins scored two tries in their 60-0 win over Whitehaven. Toulouse Olympique XIII sit behind them in second place, as Josh Ralph starred in their win over Widnes Vikings, who included both Anthony Walker and Matty Fozard. Batley Bulldogs sit third behind the French side on points difference after their closely fought win away to Barrow Raiders. Elliot Kear was on the wing for the Bulldogs.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Mike Butt scored a 100th career try in a Swinton Lions win at home to Sheffield Eagles. Gavin Bennion was also in the Lions side last weekend. Bailey Antrobus was back in the York Knights side as they won against Halifax Panthers. Chester Butler also enjoyed that winning feeling with Bradford Bulls, hammering local rivals Keighley Cougars. Curtis Davies and his Newcastle Thunder teammates left London empty-handed after their defeat to the Broncos.
In the men’s Betfred Super League, Wales Men’s record cap holder, Rhys Williams, returned to the Salford Red Devils side as they lost to Wakefield Trinity. Gil Dudson also suffered defeat with Warrington Wolves as they lost to Leeds Rhinos who had Luis Roberts as 18th player.
And in the Women’s Super League, Kiera McCosh was in the Leigh Leopards side that won 14-0 away at Barrow Raiders. Emily Hughes played for London Broncos as they beat The Army 40-10.