It’s been another outstanding weekend of Rugby League action, with shocks, twists and surprises all across the country to seriously shake up the top three divisions.
In Super League, the play-off race has tightened up after a shock win for Widnes on Friday night. And the Championship is hotting up too after some surprise results – with Championship One looking equally as thrilling. But which five teams caught the eye the most this weekend? Here’s this week’s Fab Five, as suggested by you on social media!
And don’t forget that full reports of EVERY game this weekend is in tomorrow’s edition of League Express – which is available online TONIGHT, or in paper format tomorrow, as per usual.
Widnes Vikings
We start way back on Friday, and the impressive Widnes Vikings – who ended their losing streak in some serious style. Many expected them to drop out of the top eight following the weekend’s action, but their position has got even stronger following the weekend’s results. They were outstanding against local rivals Warrington, and are now firmly in the box seat for the top eight once again.
Gateshead Thunder
A big result in Championship One today, as they reignited the race for the play-offs in the division by defeating Gloucestershire All Golds. That’s no mean feat given the kind of results Steve McCormack’s side have been pulling off in recent months, and it means Gateshead now have every chance of making the play-offs. With Championship One looking very competitive next season, getting out this year has taken on extra importance.
Catalan Dragons
Catalan drew much criticism last weekend for their tactics during their defeat to Wigan. However, they bounced back in style this weekend to remain very much in control of their own destiny when it comes to the play-offs. Laurent Frayssinous’ men put in a really impressive showing to see off in-form Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, with Leon Pryce once again pulling the strings. If the Dragons can secure a home tie in the play-offs, they will be a mean prospect for anyone.
Featherstone Rovers
It’s been all negative at Featherstone over the last few weeks, so they deserve some credit for a thumping win against Batley today. Andy Hay continues to steady the ship at Fev, and their crushing 52-6 win has ensured they remain in control for the coveted second spot in the Kingstone Press Championship. A trip to third-placed Halifax in a few weeks looks like being the key game.
Salford Red Devils
Could they do the unthinkable? A few weeks back avoiding a relegation scrap looked like Salford’s sole challenge for the remainder of 2014 – but now they are seriously looking good for a run at the play-offs. Their victory against play-off rivals Hull Kingston Rovers today was huge, and they look like the most likely team who could dethrone Widnes in eighth place.
