500 Word Super League Weekend!

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 This week saw the full return of Super League. Last week was quite the appetiser, but it was fantastic to see all 11 teams back in action. This week’s blog will summarise our thoughts on each match in 100 words!

Game 1 – Castleford v Catalans

After a positive start to the season, much was expected of Catalans, but expectations were dampened by a lacklustre display against St Helens. This was reinforced when they fell 14-0 down early to Castleford.

40 unanswered points later silenced the doubters. There were many stand outs but Israel Folau gave his opposite number Michael Shenton a torrid time and was the man of the match.

Catalans made it a double against Castleford in 2020. One week ago, questions were raised about their prospects. Now, many are asking how far they can go. A lot can change in a week.

Game 2 – Warrington v Hull KR

Hull KR played like a side free from the burden of a relegation battle and were rewarded with an early lead through Ben Crooks.

The game was close up to the half time break, it was Warrington who put the foot on the throat in the second half and they were comfortable victors.

Games against Warrington won’t define Hull KR’s season, but the margin of victory will still be a worry. As for Warrington, their start was inconsistent. Matches against Hull KR are banana skins, but the Wolves avoided this one to give a positive start to the rebooted season.

Game 3 – Salford v Hull FC

We have set a 100 word limit on each match, but can summarise Hull FC’s performance in one. Abject. A club with vast resource, a huge fanbase and a city mad about the sport continues its lurch from one crisis to the next.

Salford, by contrast, are a club with little resource, a smaller fanbase and limited presence. Yet their heart is infinitely greater. Tui Lolohea was the star with a 22 point haul and four try assists. Chris Atkin made his claim for a starting spot and Ken Sio continued his great scoring run.

Game 4 – Wakefield v Wigan

This game was the only one of the weekend that was much a contest! It didn’t seem that way for a while though as Wigan had a comfortable lead going into the latter stages.

Wakefield refused to lie down and fought back, a mind-boggling effort from Tom Johnstone the highlight. Ultimately, the game was settled by a 77th minute Harry Smith drop goal.

Wigan were not perfect, but got the result and their young squad will benefit from tests like this one. For Wakefield, it was one that got away but with positive to take too.

Game 5 – Leeds v St Helens

These sides were due to play on 20th March. With Leeds in form and St Helens floundering, Leeds may have gone into that game as favourites.

The game was played five months later instead. Leeds were shorn of star players and St Helens had a couple of theirs back.

What a difference that made. Alex Walmsley and James Graham laid the platform and dominated the Leeds pack. The backs added the sparkle. A stunning Regan Grace hat trick comprising of two length of the field efforts and a spectacular finish in the corner were the highlights of a comprehensive win.

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