Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
Huddersfield 28-Warrington 18
Huddersfield took the first win of the Super League against local rivals Warrington Wolves, who had an unfortunate bad run of injuries throughout the game.
Wolves debut Joel Monaghan got the first points on the board to put his team in front but it wasn’t long until Huddersfield took the spotlight with a try by debut Keal Carlilie. This was followed by two spectacular tries, a conversion and a drop goal by Danny Brough. The misery for Warrington continued as by half time they had lost five key players, including Bridge, King and Bries.
The second half saw two more tries from Huddersfield and a 90m solo run by Brough added the extras. There seemed to be no way back for Warrington, who now only had 11 fit men on the pitch. However Westwood, shifted to the centre in King’s absence, managed to grab some last minute consolation tries for the battered Warrington side, making the final score 18-28 in Huddersfield’s favour.
Wigan Warriors 16-16 St Helens
Probably the most anticipated match of the weekend, current champions Wigan Warriors held a 16 point lead with 15 minutes to go, and in true St Helens style, they had everyone on the edges of their seats as they came back to score 16 points, leaving the game a draw.
The first half saw good pressure from the St Helens side but after 10 minutes Wigan put the first points on the board, with a try from Aussie debutant Hoffman and Deacon adding the extras. Then Saints hooker James Roby, who was unveiled in Cunningham’s number 9 shirt, made his way over the line, but a video replay showed the ball was not grounded. Five minutes later Wigan full back Tompkin beat Wellens and Meli to the ball as it bounced over the St Helens try line, giving them a 12-0 lead by half time.
10 minutes into the second half, Wigan scored a comfortable try in the left corner, and after 15 minutes of attacking and defending stalemate the Saints came back 15 minutes before full time with Wilkin powering over the line, Foster converting. Shortly after, Puletua got the hearts racing in the Wigan stand as he dived over the whitewash, closing the score line gap. Wigan’s poor attempt at counter-attacking allowed Saints winger Meli to score in the left corner, evening the score lines.
A last minute drop goal attempt by Tompkin fell wide of the posts and as the clock reached 80 minutes St Helens' Eastmond tried for his own goal, which also fell wide, leaving the score line at a frustrating 16-16 draw.
Catalan Dragons 4-11 Harlequins
Luke Gale scored all of Harlequins points this Saturday. The half back scored two tries in the opening five minutes and landed one from two conversions. A drop goal in the second half left Catalan 11-0 down with only 20 minutes left.
The Dragons eventually came back with a try from Blanch but it was too late in the game to get those all important points and the final score rested at 11-4.
Castleford 40-20 Wakefield
Castleford came from behind to see off battling, reborn neighbours Wakefield.
After Joe Arundel's early try, Castleford were shocked when Wakefield hit back through Julien Rinaldi and Dale Ferguson. Brett Ferres and Nick Youngquest put Castleford back in front but the game was won as Dean Widders, Rangi Chase and Adam Milner scored either side of the break. Ferguson grabbed a second and Luke George scored to threaten a Wildcats fightback but late tries from Paul Jackson and Widders sealed it for Castleford.
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