Round 22 saw a surprise win for relegated Bradford, a comfortable win for Hull KR and the Leeds Rhinos showed that they’re just not the same without captain Kevin Sinfeild, which is expected I guess.
Hull FC vs Castleford Tigers
Hull FC went into this game with a big score-line put up against them by the Warriors the round before, while Castleford, as ever, would have had confidence going into this one. Both teams ended up with a point, and the talking point of the match was an unfortunate knee to the head by Weller Hauraki, but nobody but the man himself knows if it was intentional. I still don’t believe Hull FC will make the top 8 now, but this will be a crucial point for them to keep the dream alive. 18-18 the full-time score, with 9,959 at the KC Stadium for this one.
Salford Red Devils vs Leeds Rhinos
Kevin Locke made his home debut against a Sinfield-less Leeds, after he was red carded and banned for 2 matches in Leeds’ fixture against Castleford. Hardaker was back at fullback for the Leeds Rhinos, and he helped them to a 22-18 win, with him, Watkins, Ablett and Stevie Ward scoring the tries. So close, yet so far – The story of Salford’s year so far. They face Wigan this Thursday, which is a must win in order to keep the top 8 hopes alive. 5,012 at the AJ Bell Stadium for this one.
St Helens vs Widnes Vikings
After beating Warrington in the previous week, Widnes would have gone into this one with full confidence. But St Helens were stronger, and went into half-time with a 22-0 lead. They scored the exact amount of points in the second half, too, defeating the Vikings 44-22. However, it wasn’t all a happy ending, with Luke Walsh picking up an injury which may just see him out for the rest of the Super League season. 11,844 at this one.
London Broncos vs Hull KR
Kris Keating was dropped by Chris Chester for this one, and it looked like a good move. Greg Eden returned after being dropped for disciplinary reasons, and he made a big comeback, scoring a hat-trick for the Robins at The Hive. Tries also from Hodgson, Larroyer, Salter (2), Weyman (2), Gardner and Walker saw the score 62-10. London will just be getting experience from the last few games, but let’s hope it doesn’t knock their confidence too much for next season. Just 1,084 at The Hive for this one.
Warrington Wolves vs Wakefield Wildcats
Webster’s Wildcats are now on a mission to finish in the top 8, only being 2 points off the 8th spot. A hat-trick from Chris Riley, who is on loan from Warrington, helped the Wildcats secure the victory. Another shock result of the round, with the Wildcats winning 40-26. 9,252 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium for this one.
Huddersfield Giants vs Catalan Dragons
Points needed by both sides to stay high in the top 8, but Huddersfield ended up on top at the end of this clash. Giants winger, Jermaine McGillvary scored two tries, and saw him reach the 100 tries mark in his career. Tries also from Wood, Murphy, Wardle (2) and Ferres saw the fulltime score 38-16 to the Huddersfield Giants. A very low crowd at the John Smith’s Stadium for this one – Which has been a place that has had too many low crowds this year – just 4,931 at this one.
Bradford Bulls vs Wigan Warriors
The surprise result of the round, as relegated Bradford managed to beat last year’s double champions at the Odsal stadium. Wigan were awful from what I’ve read, and Bradford deserved the 2 points. Last time Wigan were defeated in Yorkshire, it lead to the team going on a 4-game non losing streak (Wakefield) – Could Bradford do the same? 16-8 the fulltime score here, with an attendance of 6,535.
That’s it for round 22, don’t forget to follow @LeagueFreak on Twitter, and follow my account too, @RLLatest.
Thanks for reading.
