Round 12 round up

Betfred Super Leaugue returned to our screens in Round 12 following last weekend's Challenge Cup break. 

St Helens and Leeds Rhinos met at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday Night - and it was the Rhinos who drew first blood through star winger Ash Handley. However, Rohan Smith's side would soon relinquish their lead, conceding two first half scores before the flood gates opened up in the second stanza.

Saints added 28 points to their half time total - which included a Jack Welsby double - to run away 40-10 victors against the hapless Rhinos and move top of the Super League table. 

Leigh's recent resurgence continued against Huddersfield in Round 12 with Adrian Lam's side earning a tough 10-16 victory at the home of the Giants. Matt Moylan's boot proved to be the difference on the night - the former Cronulla man kicked four goals during his sides fourth win of the campaign.

It was Moylan's Leigh teammate Josh Charnley who scored the opening points of the night, crossing for a try in the left hand corner after good build up work from Moylan and Lachlan Lam. 

Olly Russell was sent to the sin bin after 28 minutes and Leigh immediately took advantage, with Edwin Ipape crossing for a crucial Leigh try. 

Both Ed Chamberlain and Frankie Halton then saw yellow for Leigh in the lead up to half time - and the Giants took advantage just minutes into the second half thanks to a Sam Hewitt score. 

Kevin Naiqama crossed for a try with just four minutes remaining to bring the Giants within a converted try of levelling the game, but the Leopads held on to earn their fourth league win of the year.

Josh Charnley right on cue ??@LeighLeopardsRL lead ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/l3lBi1JcUE

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 24, 2024

Elsewhere on Friday Night, Castleford put further distance between themselves and the bottom two after an important 30-22 win against eleventh placed Hull FC at the Jungle.

The Tigers raced away to a 12-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes thanks to tries from Liam Horne and former FC man, Tex Hoy. Two tries in reply from the Black & Whites, as well as a Rohan Milnes score for Cas, saw the home side take an 18-10 lead into the break.

It was much of the same from the Tigers in the second 40, with Craig Lingard's establishing a dominant 30-10 advantage. And despite a late fight back from Hull FC, the Tigers left Wheldon Road with a well earned victory which has put them five points clear of Hull FC.

Tex Hoy against his former side ?

Flowing @CTRLFC move ?‍?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/bFkWVrkk1O

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 24, 2024

On Saturday, Warrington backed up their impressive Challenge Cup Semi-Final performance with a statement 8-16 win against Catalans in the South of France. 

Defence dominated the first half, with neither side able to penetrate their openents defensive line. Penalties from Warrington's Josh Thewlis and Catalans' Arthur Mourge saw the game tied at two a piece going into the break. 

However, it took just three minutes into the second half for Warrington to cross for the firs try of the evening - England captain George Williams muscling his way over the line to the Wire ahead. 

With the game in the balance heading into the final 10 minutes, Matty Ashton crossed for a crucial score to extend Warrington's advantage to 12, before Tom Davies responded for the Dragons to bring the game back within a converted try.

A Josh Thewlis penalty in the final minute sealed the victory for the Wolves whomoved two points clear of fifth placed Catalans.

Fresh from booking their place at Wembley next month, the Warriors travelled to Salford to face the Red Devils in Round 12 on Sunday. 

And there was no cup hangover from Matt Peet's side - the reigning Champions producing a professional display to defeat Salford 6-26.

Adam Keighran opened the scoring for Wigan inside 10 minutes, before exciting young forward Junior Nsembah doubled the Warriors lead five minutes later. Brad O'Neill then forced his way over from dummy half to send the Warriors into the sheds with a convincing 0-18 lead. 

Former Warrior Oliver Partington pulled one back for Salford just minutes into the second half, before a Keighran penalty and converted Bevan French try sealed victory for Warriors.

He's got another @junior_nsemba ?@WiganWarriorsRL are in control against the Red Devils ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/9ly6PfJUlV

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 26, 2024

It was a tough afternoon for the bottom placed Broncos after succumbing to a 14-64 home defeat against a ruthless Robins side.

It was all one way traffic in the first half as the Robins raced away to a 0-46 half time lead, which included first half doubles from Jack Broadbent and Niall Evalds.

The Broncos pulled one back early in the second half through Alex Walker, before Hull KR front rower Sam Luckley crossed for his second try of the afternoon.

Star half-back Mikey Lewis earned himself a brace of tries in the second half, while Iliess Macani and Jarred Bassett crossed for consolation scores for the home side.

We're approaching halfway ?

How do you rate your teams play-off chances? ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/DpjzDqVszA

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 26, 2024