Olympians trapped at the summit
Toulouse (2nd) hosted leaders York (1st) in the clash of Round 23. A win would have allowed the Olympians to draw level, while the Knights had the chance to pull away at the top.
In front of a packed Stade des Minimes, with more than two hundred travelling York fans in the stands, the stage was set for a high-level battle.
Toulouse strikes first
The TO opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a penalty kick from Jake Shorrocks (2-0). Just five minutes later, Thomas Lacans finished off a superb move initiated by captain Anthony Marion and Brendan Hands. Shorrocks converted and Toulouse stretched their lead to 8-0.
The English side, under pressure, held firm. In the 28th minute, Galeano crossed after a neat move down the left (8-4). At halftime, the Olympians still held a narrow advantage.
York turns it around
The second half changed everything. In the 47th minute, a high kick from Liam Harris unsettled the Toulouse defence. Galeano seized the opportunity to score his second try. Harris added the conversion, and York took the lead for the first time (8-10).
Just three minutes later, Oli Field powered through to score another. Harris converted again: 8-16.
Well-organised around their halfback pairing of Hingano and Harris, the Knights dictated the pace. Toulouse threw everything at them but came up against a rock-solid defence.
York unstoppable
Unbeaten since April 27, York claimed their 15th straight victory and tightened their grip on top spot. Already crowned 1895 Cup winners in June, the Knights once again proved they are the Championship’s in-form side.
“They are an excellent team in every department,” admitted Toulouse coach Sylvain Houles before the match. “That motivates us to raise our own level.”
This time, however, Toulouse could not hold on. York struck hard and underlined their credentials as clear favourites for first place.
©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN
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