London ends rugby league winless streak

Joe Keyes’ hat-trick of tries and a superb second-half comeback helped London Broncos secure their first win of the Super League season with an enthralling 40-36 win over Leeds Rhinos.

Already relegated Broncos had failed to pick up a league win in 23 games and on Sunday hosted a Rhinos side looking to boost their own title credentials.

It was the visitors who were in charge at halftime, leading 24-8 through tries from Kallum Watkins, Josh Walters, Liam Sutcliffe and Mitch Achurch and Zak Hardaker.

But Broncos, who saw Keyes and Jordan Atkins cross before the break, found a second gear as Kieran Dixon, Mike McMeeken, Scott Moore and Keyes (2) gave the hosts the win despite Sutcliffe and Achurch adding to their tallies.

Fellow relegated side Bradford Bulls also picked up a win on Sunday, defeating Hull FC 34-28 at the Odsal Stadium.

Trailing 12-0 after 19 minutes, the hosts pulled themselves back to within two points at the break through Jamie Foster and Joe Arundel tries.

Adam Sidlow, Arundel, Jay Pitts and Danny Addy then extended their lead to 34-18 with Setaimata Sa and Tom Lineham scores for Hull FC proving a mere consolation.

The final game on Sunday saw Huddersfield Giants cement sixth spot with a 28-14 defeat of Widnes Vikings.

Peter Aspinall, Joe Wardle, Jermaine McGillvary, Antonio Kaufusi and Shaun Lunt all crossed for the hosts, while Danny Tickle and Rhys Hanbury scored for the Vikings.

Elsewhere, St Helens retain top spot in the table as Australian Shannon McDonnell marked his debut with two tries in a 40-16 victory over Wakefield Wildcats on Friday.

Six points separated the teams at the break, but Saints took control after the restart with former Hull FC fullback McDonnell touching down twice with Josh Jones and Tommy Makinson scoring their second of the game and New Zealander Sia Soliola also on the scoresheet.

Jarrod Sammut kicked two goals for Wakefield after tries for Danny Washbrook, Lee Gilmour and Richard Owen.

Saints were able to profit from a slip by challengers Wigan Warriors who were held 14-14 at Hull KR on Thursday night.

Goal-kicker Matty Smith had a chance to take victory after Josh Charnley’s last-gasp try but he narrowly missed the target.

It was hard on Rovers who had been leading until the 73rd minute following tries from Craig Hall, Jason Chan and Ben Cockayne.

On Saturday, Warrington Wolves defeated Challenge Cup finalists Castleford Tigers 48-10.

Tries from Ryan Atkins, Gareth O’Brien and Chris Bridge put the hosts 18-0 up before Tigers hit back through James Clare and Oliver Holmes.

But Rhys Evans (2), Anthony England, Stefan Ratchford and Joel Monaghan all crossed to seal the win for the Wolves.

Former NZ Warriors player Kevin Locke scored two tries and landed three kicks as Salford Red Devils kept alive their slim play-off hopes with a 34-22 win over Catalan Dragons.

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