Rochdale Hornets put in a stunning comeback to secure promotion to the Kingstone Press Championship after defeating heavily-fancied Toulouse 24-22.
Despite trailing 16-0 within 20 minutes, Alan Kilshaw’s side came back to condemn the French side to their first League 1 defeat of the season.
Bastien Canet, Rhys Curren and Greg White appeared to have put Toulouse in control with early tries, although Jack Holmes’ score for Rochdale meant they trailed 16-8 at the break.
The deficit was cut further after the break when Lewis Galbraith scored, before two further tries, including one from former Warrington winger Chris Riley, gave Rochdale an eight point lead.
A late try for Bastien Ader resulted in a nervy finish, but Rochdale held on to secure a memorable victory, and an even more memorable promotion.
A full report will be in Monday’s League Express.
