- May 17

York Knights v Halifax Panthers - Match Preview

🤝 York RLFC Match Previews are proudly sponsored by David Lloyd York!

York Knights meet the reigning AB Sundecks 1895 Cup holders Halifax Panthers in the Betfred Championship on Sunday afternoon (3pm).

Halifax became the fourth different winner of the 1895 Cup in the competition’s fourth season at Wembley Stadium in August, edging out Batley Bulldogs 12-10 in a thriller.

An early Brandon Moore try got Halifax off to a perfect start before four Louis Jouffret goals ensured a 12-0 lead heading into the final quarter. Two late tries from Dale Morton and Elliot Kear saw Batley get within a couple of points of Fax but the Blue and Whites held on to lift the Cup.

The triumph at Wembley was the bright spot in a tricky league season for Halifax, who were pipped by York to the final Play-Off spot on the final day of the regular season.

The Panthers needed a victory over Swinton Lions to seal their top six berth, but a shock 22-12 upset win for the visitors allowed the Knights to capitalise through a 31-18 success at Barrow Raiders.

After consecutive third-placed finishes in 2021 and 2022, missing out on a spot in the Play-Offs was a painful blow to the Fax fans.

During the off-season, the signing of ex-Great Britain and England international half-back Gareth Widdop caught the eye while former Betfred Super League backs Ben Crooks and Greg Eden also arrived, although the latter has since departed The Shay.

Halifax have endured a tough start to the current Championship campaign, winning just two of their first seven contests and losing all of their last four; to Widnes Vikings (40-14), Sheffield Eagles (0-46), Swinton (12-28) and Featherstone Rovers (36-16).

With just one win from seven thus far in the league, York have also had to contend with a difficult start and will be seeking a vital two points to kickstart their campaign.

Victory this afternoon by more than 12 points would see Andrew Henderson’s side move out of the relegation zone and leapfrog Halifax into 12th position.

Tickets for Sunday's Betfred Championship clash between York Knights and Halifax Panthers (3pm) are available to purchase online NOW!

Tickets are priced at £15 for Adults, £10 for Concessions (17-to-21-year-olds and over-65s) and FREE for Under-16s. To purchase your tickets, click HERE.

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