York Knights v Halifax Panthers: Play Off semi-final Match Preview

sharonshortle
Sep 24
2 min read

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

York Knights will try to make history when they take on Halifax Panthers in the Betfred Championship Play Off semi-final on Saturday in a big game at the LNER Community Stadium (6pm)!

It’s the fourth time the teams have met this season, this time with the prize of a place in next week’s Grand Final at stake. For York, that would be their first ever appearance in the final.

After finishing top of the league, the Knights have had a week off coming into this game after the 52-12 win over Batley Bulldogs which saw them clinch the League Leaders’ Shield and take their winning run to 19 games in all competitions.

In contrast, Halifax, who finished fifth in the table, travelled to Oldham last weekend and put in a superb performance to win 40-4, in what was their first play-off appearance in three years.

When York last met Halifax in July at Odsal, Mark Applegarth’s side came from behind to claim a 19-12 win against a persistent Panthers team. Ben Jones-Bishop scored twice and Paul McShane added another.

There were back to back meetings at the LNER Community Stadium at the start of the year, with one win a piece. York won 32-20 in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup first round, in what was their first win of the season.

The week after, Halifax took the league points with a 18-10 victory in what proved to be one of only four league defeats all season for the Knights.

York expect to have a full strength side available, having had that week off. Halifax will be waiting to hear if George Whitby will be available on dual registration from St.Helens again, after he made an impact in last week’s win at Oldham. He’s also had an influence in the league games against York this year.

A win for Halifax would see them in the Grand Final for the first time in 15 years. For York, it would be the first time in their history.

Join us to see if York Knights can make history and reach the Betfred Championship Grand Final for the first time!

The game against Halifax Panthers kicks off at 6pm on Saturday at the LNER Community Stadium and tickets are on sale NOW!

Tickets are priced at £22 for Adults, £17 for Concessions (16 to 21-year-olds and over 65s) and FREE for Under 16s!

To purchase your tickets online please click HERE! Alternatively you can head to the York SMC Ticket Office or call 01904 950950!

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