Unbelievable Magic at Day 1 in Newcastle

Dacia Magic Weekend returned to St James’ Park, Newcastle with a unforgettable day of Rugby League action on Saturday.

The 35,104 fans in attendance saw two pulsating golden point drop goals results and a new name etched on the League Leaders shield as Catalans Dragons secured the 2021 Betfred Super League League Leaders’ shield.

As fans descended on Newcastle, the day started with Castleford Tigers taking on Salford Red Devils. Daryl Powell’s Tigers were pushing for a end of season play-off spot and Richard Marshall would be hoping his Red Devils could finish the season with a solid run-in.

It was Castleford who came out the blocks quickest with Paul McShane opening the scoring inside the first 10 minutes.

Red Devils kept within touching distance in the first half. Both teams traded tries and Castleford led 16-12 at the break.

The second half saw Castleford extend their lead, eventually running out 29-18 winners.

Game 2 on Day one was billed as the one to watch, the title decider, as Catalans took on St Helens knowing a win would secure them league leaders’ status for the first time in the club’s history.

Sam Tomkins got the Dragons on the scoreboard inside 5 minutes, but Saints were not going to be easily overcome, hitting back with tries from Makinson, Coote & Mata’utia to lead 18-6 at the break.

Saints extended their lead in the second half, building up what looked like a comfortable 30-12 lead with just seven minutes left in the game….but then back came the Dragons

An unbelievable comeback then unfolded with the Dragons scoring three tries through Whare, Dudson and Kasiano to level the game and take us to Golden Point

The teams traded drop goal attempts with Coote & Makinson going close for Saints before Maloney slotted over a 40m+ attempt to seal the win and league title for the Dragons.

A bad injury to Samisoni Langi looked to have put the dampeners on the Dragons win, but good news came later in the evening as Langi was able to travel back to Perpignan with the team.

If that wasn’t excitement enough, we still had Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC to come…

Both teams still had ambitions of being involved in post-season play-offs but today’s result could be massive in determining who makes it.

Both teams traded tries in the first half with just a Marc Sneyd penalty separating the teams at the break.

Two tries from Leeds put them back level with the Black & Whites and had Martin converted what looked like an simple opportunity Rhinos would’ve secured a 26-24 win.

As it was we headed to Golden Point once again…

Attempts from Martin, Myler and Leeming went wayward for the Rhinos, with Sneyd getting closer with his attempts it came down to Kruise Leeming to step up and give the Rhinos a thrilling 25-24 victory.