Bulls winger Ben Blackmore made a welcome return to action yesterday after over two months out with injury.
Both he and teammate George Flanagan were in action for League 1 Rochdale Hornets, as part of dual-registration deal between the two clubs for 2024.
Blackmore has not played since suffering a nasty ankle injury in his side’s 1895 Cup win at Dewsbury at the start of February, while hooker Flanagan is struggling for game time thanks to the presence of Australian duo Mitch Souter and Tyran Ott in the number nine position.
Rochdale would have been firm favourites to beat visiting Newcastle Thunder anyway, given the away side have only just reformed after folding at the end of last season, but the presence of Blackmore and Flanagan, as well as Widnes Vikings duo Lloyd Roby and Liam Bent, helped ensure an even more comfortable afternoon than expected for the hosts.
And it was a personal triumph for Blackmore, who helped himself to a hat-trick of tries, all in the first half.
The winger’s treble formed part of a crushing 68-4 win for Rochdale, allowing him to get back in form for his return to Bulls’ first team, and minutes in the legs for Flanagan in case he is needed due to any potential absences for Souter and Ott.
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