Wakefield plays Toulouse in the Betfred Championship Grand Final

Two dramatic Betfred Championship semi-finals took place on Sunday, but it is now confirmed that Wakefield Trinity will play Toulouse Olympique in the grand final on Saturday October 19, KO 7pm.

It was an end-to-end battle between Wakefield and the York Knights at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, with a try converted in the first half and just a drop goal from Liam Harris separating the two sides at the break.

Trinity had better possession in the first 40 minutes but the Knights restricted the league leaders to just six points, much to the frustration of the hosts.

Max Jowitt, who now needs just three points to become the all-time leading points scorer in a single season, went over the edge for the first try of the afternoon, but Oli Field soon responded as he and Nikau Williams executed a deft combination .

Harris then scored an unexpected drop goal just before halftime, giving the Knights a one-point lead.

This led to an exciting second stanza where both teams continued to encourage each other.

The experienced Luke Gale crossed for Trinity but York would soon take the lead again when Ata Higano scored from outside the box – the visitors’ left wing proved a dangerous threat throughout Sunday’s game.

However, Trinity managed to score two more tries from Derrell Olpherts and Iain Thornley to secure a thrilling win – and despite a valiant display from Mark Applegarth’s men, it is Wakefield who progress to next weekend’s final.

There was another exciting encounter between Toulouse and Bradford Bulls as the French side ensured they would be competing in the Championship Grand Final for the third year in a row.

And last year’s grand finalists were 8-0 up in the first eight minutes – just after their week’s break when they got off to a blistering start.

Benjamin Laguerre and Paul Ulberg scored for the home team, but Jake Shorrocks was unable to convert either goal.

Bulls stars Jordan Lilley and Franklin Pele then hit back to give Bradford an 8-12 lead at the break.

After the break, Toulouse fired up the team and two consecutive tries from Guy Armitage and Anthony Marion in the final quarter were enough for the win, as was Eloi Pelissier’s drop goal that extended the lead to seven points.

The Bulls refused to give in as Keven Appo crashed over from close range with a minute left and Lilley converted to bring the score back to one point.

But Sylvain Houles’ men persevered and are now preparing to travel to face Wakefield next Saturday.

Betfred Championship semi-final results:

Wakefield Trinity 22 York Knights 13

Toulouse Olympique 21 Bradford Bulls 20

The Betfred Championship grand final takes place on Saturday October 19 (KO 7pm) at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield.