Betfred League One returned with a bang on Sunday, and here is a round-up of all that happened in Round 1!
Rochdale Hornets’ comprehensive victory over Keighley Cougars was arguably the surprise result of the round, as the Hornets ran in eight tries against last year’s second placed finishers and kept their opponents scoreless.
Luke Forber starred with a hattrick in the first hour, including a wonderful intercept try, as his side top the table after a solid performance in the opening round.
Midlands Hurricanes were victorious on the road, as they travelled to face Goole, who started their life in League One at the weekend.
It was a closely fought 80 minutes at the Victoria Pleasure Ground, with both sides taking it in turns to lead throughout the game.
The Vikings had built up an initial 14-6 advantage, including a terrific try from Jamie Shaul who once again rolled back the years.
But two late Hurricanes tries - from Luis Roberts on his debut and Matty Hanley – would nudge the visitors two points in front as the hooter sounded.
Two of last year’s Betfred Championship outfits, Swinton and Whitehaven met in Round 1 of the third tier, with the Lions claiming the two points on offer.
Swinton always led throughout the contest and would seal the win with Harry Higham’s try three minutes from time.
The fourth and final tie saw Dewsbury endure an opening round defeat to North Wales Crusaders on their home patch.
Intense rainy weather conditions and a waterlogged pitch had resulted in the Workington v Cornwall’s Round 1 tie being postponed, with a rearranged date to be communicated in due course.
Betfred League One Round 1 results:
Dewsbury Rams 10 North Wales Crusaders 20
Goole Vikings 14 Midlands Hurricanes 16
Rochdale Hornets 44 Keighley Cougars 0
Swinton Lions 16 Whitehaven 10
Workington v Cornwall – Postponed (waterlogged pitch
Newcastle Thunder – Bye week
It’s a break away from Betfred League One action next weekend as the First Round of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup takes place. Fixture information can be found here.
The full fixture list for Betfred League One can be found here.
Photo Credit: Rob Hare Photography and Midlands Hurricanes
