Misery for Millward

Sunday 7th February 2010

Ian Millward suffered his first defeat since returning to Leigh as unlikely York player-coach Chris Thorman snatched a shock win for his side in the Northern Rail Cup.

Scrum-half Thorman joined Championship One outfit York after being released by Super League Hull last year and then had the coaching responsibilities thrust upon him when James Ratcliffe was suspended in January.

And the former Parramatta and Huddersfield player proved the hero as the City Knights edged out Millward's Centurions 13-12 at the Huntington Stadium.

York led 12-2 at half-time after two tries from Mike Mitchell. Leigh replied through Dave Alstead and Dave McConnell but Thorman's effort proved decisive.

Newly-promoted Keighley also sprang a surprise as they beat Whitehaven 17-16 at Cougar Park. James Haythornwaite and Dan Belcher touched down for the Cougars with Danny Jones kicking four goals and a crucial drop goal.

The battle between former Sheffield team-mates Daryl Powell and Mark Aston finished all sqaure as their respective Featherstone and Eagles teams drew 18-18.

Widnes were also held to a 30-30 draw at Batley despite two tries apiece from Ben Kavanagh and on-loan Wigan youngster Shaun Ainscough.

Championship winners Barrow saw off Blackpool 34-8 with Liam Campbell claiming two of their five tries.

James Haley also touched down twice as Halifax overcame Dewsbury 24-0 while Workington won 26-12 at Gateshead with two from Mike Backhouse.

Swinton scored 18 unanswered second-half points to beat Doncaster 30-20 while Wayne McHugh claimed four tries as Hunslet thrashed London Skolars 60-12.