Images via Super League
After the first round of Super Eights action last week, it's fair to say we all got a bit excited about what to expect in the coming weeks. As round two commenced this week, there were even more thrilling ties to look forward to.
Thursday
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Widnes 0-38 Hull FC
In the first game of round two, Widnes were thrashed as Hull FC claimed a comprehensive win over the Vikings.
The away side needed to bounce back quickly after their round one defeat to Castleford, and they did it in style against Denis Betts' men, running in seven tries at the Select Security Stadium. Winger Fetuli Talanoa was the standout performer, claiming a hat-trick that included a flying finish in the corner. While Hull FC worked hard for their win, it was certainly helped by a poor display by Widnes, whose attacking play was littered with knock-ons and penalties.
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Friday
St Helens 39-16 Catalan
St Helens secured a massive two points against Catalan in the race for the top four - a win which saw Keiron Cunningham's men climb four points clear of the Dragons in fourth.
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Adam Swift was the pick of the players, scoring four of his side's six tries as he terrorised the Dragons' left-hand-side, while team-mate Luke Walsh slotted six conversions and a drop goal to seal the win for the Saints. Dave Taylor opened the scoring for Laurent Frayssinous' men, before Jason Baitieri and Vincent Duport added further tries, but even two conversions from youngster Lucas Albert weren't enough to get the visitors back in the game.
Saturday
Leigh 32-26 Salford
Leigh Centurions caused a stir in the Qualifiers by beating Super League's Salford at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, the victory keeps them in second behind Leeds.
Both sides ran in six tries, but it was conversions which produced the result, with Leigh's Martyn Ridyard slotting six goals, while Gareth O'Brien could only manage three for the Red Devils. Salford had a number of tries disallowed, and while they were all fair calls by referee Chris Campbell, both Ian Watson and the Salford fans alike will be rueing their missed opportunities. There were some positives for the losers amid the round two loss; winger Mason Caton-Brown bagged a brace as he continued his recent stellar form, while there was also another score for Niall Evalds.
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Sunday
Huddersfield 62-16 Featherstone
Huddersfield secured their first win in the Qualifiers, beating Featherstone Rovers as they look to adjust to life in the Middle Eights.
After losing to Salford in round one, the Giants needed to get a win on the board in the Qualifiers, and they made their mark in round two with a resounding win over the Rovers. Rick Stone's men romped home with eleven tries, with Ollie Roberts, Ryan Brierley, Ukuma Ta'ai and Kyle Wood all claiming two of their own.
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WORDS BY @JonnyWhit_LU
Topics: Rugby League