Dwyer hat-trick puts Swinton in confident mood for cup tie

SWINTON go into next week’s Challenge Cup clash with Super League champions Wigan Warriors in high spirits after a superb 27-20 victory over Toulouse Olympique.

A Connor Dwyer hat-trick helped the Lions record what is only their third Kingstone Press Championship victory of the season and one which moves them within one point of local rivals Rochdale.

Dwyer scored twice in five minutes to get John Duffy’s side up and running at Heywood Road, while Chris Atkin made the visitors pay for their indiscipline, slotting three first-half penalties to give the home side a 16-6 lead at half-time.

As to be expected from a team third in the table, the French side fought back in the second half, but Toulouse’s three tries after the break were followed by Dwyer’s hat-trick and a fourpointer from Andy Thornley.

Atkin stepped up to put the points beyond doubt with a late drop-goal.

Alan Kilshaw’s ROCHDALE side welcomed second-place Featherstone Rovers to the Crown Oil Arena, but were blown away by a first-half masterclass from the promotion contenders.

Rovers crossed six times in the opening stanza, with Hornets able only to post four points in reply through Miles Greenwood. Rob Massam’s late try was nothing but consolation as his side finished on the wrong end of a 38-8 scoreline.

It was a day to forget for OLDHAM in the capital as they went down 74-12 to London Broncos.

George Tyson and Liam Thompson scored for Scott Naylor’s side, but the Roughyeds’ defence was breached 14 times as the Broncos cantered to a comprehensive victory.