Rugby league: Best of the weekend
Monday 26 February 2018 14:41, UK
Missed any of the weekend's action? Here, we look at the best moments across the competitions.
From through the night return trips to record tries and emphatic victories, take a look at some of the weekend's highlights.
Red Devils off the mark
At the AJ Bell Stadium, Salford Red Devils picked up their first points of the new season with a 36-12 victory over Hull KR.
It was a record win for Ian Watson's side over Rovers with winger Niall Evalds scoring two late tries to mark his 100th appearance for the home side in style.
Elsewhere Gareth O'Brien, the player whose drop-goal saw Hull KR relegated in 2016, was a key performer for the hosts.
The 26-year-old scored 16 of their 36 points and provided two assists on the night. Salford will now travel to unbeaten St Helens on Friday night in Round 4.
World Club hangover?
The trio of clubs that returned from Australia - Wigan, Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos - all suffered defeats.
All of their respective coaches didn't point to the long journey back as the cause of their losses, however you wonder what performances their sides would have put on the park had they not made the trip Down Under.
I'm still standing, better than I ever did!
Nothing like some iconic Elton John lyrics to introduce our Challenge Cup section!
Three amateur clubs - Kells, Pilkington Recs and Normanton Knights - are still at the races in the competition after victories at the weekend.
Kells beat the British Army 30-4, Normanton Knights secured an 18-0 win over Batley Boys and Pilkington Recs prevailed 32-16 over Millom.
The fourth-round draw is taking place on Tuesday evening with the Championship sides ready to enter the competition.
Miles on the clock
Sticking with the Challenge Cup for a moment, here's one that you might not have heard about!?
London Skolars put in a gutsy performance against fellow League 1 side Whitehaven, with the Cumbrian side coming out 16-14 winners.
With the game kicking off at 6pm on Saturday evening the Skolars team did not get back to New River Stadium in Wood Green until 7am on Sunday morning!
As mentioned amateur side Kells progressed through to the fourth round as well and a tie against Whitehaven would be their dream outcome in the draw! Why? Both sides' home grounds are less than a mile apart!
Under pressure?
In Perpignan, the Catalans Dragons went down 14-16 to Wakefield. Lucas Albert had the opportunity to snatch a draw however his final conversion from the touchline missed the target.
Head coach Steve McNamara was quick to praise his side's effort, attitude and desire, however, the result means that his record at the helm stands at one win in 17 matches.
The Dragons' next three fixtures are Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR and Warrington and with the latter two fixtures being at home McNamara will be keen to see winning performances to ease the pressure on his, and the club's, shoulders.
Tweet of the round
At the Halliwell Jones Stadium Warrington ended the Warriors' winning start to the season and in the 55th minute Ryan Atkins scored his 174th Super League try.
The 32-year-old is now fifth on the competition's all-time try-scoring list and it was his 129th try for Wolves. After a slow start for Steve Price's side have they now turned a corner? Only time will tell.
Championship watch
London Broncos maintained their 100 per cent start to the new season with an emphatic seven-try victory over Toronto Wolfpack.
Danny Ward's side finished the afternoon having put 47 points on the board and will head on the road to bottom of the table Sheffield Eagles next time out.
Alex Walker crossed for a brace with Jarrod Sammut having a strong day from the tee as he delivered 19 of their points.
