Daniel Murray appeared for loan club Halifax RLFC in their emphatic 38-18 victory over Leigh Centurions at the MBI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Shane Grady claimed a stunning hat-trick, Steve Tyrer earned a brace whilst Brandon Moore and Ben Heaton also crossed to secure consecutive Betfred Championship victories for the first time this season.
The hosts headed into the break with a 28-0 lead but Leigh responded with a double from Craig Hall alongside another score from Rhys Evans, although Fax prevailed to earn a crucial two points.
On-loan Red Devils man Murray, has impressed throughout his time in Yorkshire and Halifax Head Coach Richard Marshall recently revealed the former young forward is an integral part of his plans.
“I’ve been really pleased with all the lads who haven’t had much time to adapt. Daniel [Murray] was fantastic and showed his qualities. He’s a great addition,” said Marshall.
The win moves Halifax up to 6th in the table whilst Leigh now lie 9th, having won just once from six games.
Elsewhere, Gavin Bennion couldn’t inspire Swinton Lions to their first victory of the season at Featherstone Rovers in a game that was overshadowed by a second-half mass brawl.
Despite a slight resurgence from The Lions, Matt Sarsfield and George Tyson’s respective braces weren’t enough for Stuart Littler’s men to break their winless duck.
Featherstone’s Misi Taulapapa was sent-off whilst Swinton’s Robert Fairclough and Rhodri Lloyd were sin-binned. The hosts also had Tom Jones yellow carded as ugly scenes dampened an entertaining spectacle.
Swinton now lie joint bottom of the table, only above Sheffield Eagles on points difference. However, Littler’s side now have a welcomed distraction as they travel to in-form York City Knights in the 4th round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup this coming Sunday (Kick-Off: 3pm).
Ryan Lannon featured for dual-registration partners Oldham RLFC as The Roughyeds suffered a narrow home defeat to League 1 promotion-chasing rivals York City Knights.
Matt Reid earned a double whilst Danny Langtree and Ben West also crossed for the hosts, but tries from Matthew Marsh, Kieren Moss, James Donaldson and Joe Batchelor secured two vital points for the visitors.
Paul Crook’s second-half conversion miss proved costly as York ultimately triumphed thanks to Connor Robinson’s four successful goals.
Despite the result, former Salford centre and Oldham Head Coach Scott Naylor was delighted with his side’s attitude.
“Our attitude was first class,” said Naylor.
“The willingness to work was 100-per-cent as always.
“At the end of the day we lost because we hit a post with a conversion.
“I hope our fans realise how tough this division is going to be and I hope they stick with us like they did the last time we were in League 1.”
Oldham now travel to Halifax for a mouth-watering Challenge Cup tie this coming Sunday (3pm).
Finally, it was a miserable day for Levy Nzoungou and Whitehaven as the Cumbrians slumped to a 44-6 defeat at the hands of Doncaster.
James Tilley dived over from dummy half to claim a score for the visitors in the opening period, though the hooker was soon sin-binned – something which reflected Haven’s luck throughout the contest.
Whitehaven remain winless although they have an opportunity to kick-start their season as their attention also turns to the Cup as Haven host Championship side Dewsbury Rams. Kick-Off at the Recreation Ground is 3pm.
By Ryan Booth
