Halifax 38 Swinton 28: Grady helps Halifax see off Lions' threat

Lions took an early lead, Chris Hankinson kicking a n early penalty. But Fax’s response was swift, some quick play down the middle paving the way for Ben Johnston’s grubber kick and centre Steve Tyrer scoring.

Tyrer missed the conversion, but was on target at the end of the next set of six after Adam Tangata charged over from a Jacob Fairbank offload, giving the home side a 10-2 advantage.

Swinton replied through Benjamin White, who stepped inside young Chester Butler a little bit too easily, to cut the gap to 10-6, but Fax went further ahead when James Saltonstall scored after Swinton allowed Scott Murrell’s kick to bounce.

Tyrer kicked the goal from the sideline for a 16-6 lead, but Swinton were in through Michael Butt straight from the restart, Hankinson’s kick making it 16-12.

But an Elliot Morris try was converted by Tyrer, who also added a penalty.

The first score of the second half went Fax’s way, Shane Grady racing on to Johnston’s kick to score, Tyrer’s conversion putting the home side 30-12 in front.

Swinton replied when Atkin scored and Hankinson cut the gap before Tyrer added a penalty and converted Jacob Fairbank’s try. Hankinson and Butt scored in the closing stages, but it was never more than consolation as the Lions finished well beaten.

Halifax: Sharp; Saltonstall, Tyrer, Butler, Evalds; Murrell, Johnston; Tangata, Kaye, Cahalane, Grady, Grix, Fairbank. Substitutes: Lannon, Morris, Wilkinson, Boyle

Swinton: Murphy; Robinson, Hankinson, White, Butt; Gore, Atkin; Bracek, Nicholson, Austin, Dwyer, Thornley, Lever. Substitutes: Kenny, Bate, Barlow, Davies

Referee: C Straw (RFL).