Jouffret on target as Halifax beat Batley

TRIES from Tom Inman and James Woodburn-Hall and 10 points from the boot of Louis Jouffret helped Halifax Panthers see off Batley Bulldogs 18-10 in an attritional Championship affair at a very soggy Shay Stadium.

The result leaves Batley still searching for their first league win of 2024 as Fax bounced back immediately from their Good Friday defeat at Bradford Bulls.

Woodburn-Hall provided a dream try in the second half to all-but seal the win, adding to Inman’s early effort but, just as they did at Wembley in the 1895 Cup final – the last time these two sides met – Batley showed glimpses of their doggedness and reduced the deficit to two by the half-time hooter thanks to Robbie Butterworth’s try.

And Joe Burton’s try with two minutes remaining gave them hope of a dramatic ending similar to that famous game in August which Fax won 12-10, but Jouffret’s fourth penalty of the game secured the two points.

Two tries from Connor Carr helped Bradford Bulls return from Featherstone Rovers with a 24-14 win.

Chester Butler and Jordan Lilley also crossed, with the latter kicking two conversions and two penalties. Rovers’ tries came from Connor Jones (2) and Paul Turner.

A Luke Gale hat-trick helped Wakefield Trinity beat Doncaster 42-6. Liam Hood (2), Max Jowitt – who kicked five conversions – Josh Griffin and Mason Lino added Trinity’s other tries, Connor Robinson replying with a converted touchdown for the hosts.

Sheffield Eagles produced an impressive second-half to win 4216 at Whitehaven. York Knights suffered a 15-14 defeat at Barrow Raiders, while Dewsbury Rams lost 24-6 to Widnes Vikings.