Egan bags treble as Celtic secure fine home triumph

It was Celtic’s second successive win and they have moved away from the bottom three sides in the division and have games in hand on most of their rivals.

Egan’s treble efforts were supported by Danny Thomas, Bartley O’Brien and Pat Foulstone, who scored two tries apiece, while Mike Foulstone also crossed and James Eatherley capped the win by landing four conversions.

Celtic were never behind in the match and although Eccles responded with tries from Christian Higgins (two), Richard Openshaw, Bradley Lonsdale, Mike McGrath and Marc Jones, together with two Mike Mills goals, the Dewsbury side hung on for the victory that leaves them eighth.

Celtic have nine league games remaining, four of which are at Crow Next Park, starting with Saturday’s game at home to Division One leaders Wigan St Judes.

Shaw Cross Sharks’ Division Two promotion hopes suffered a set back when they were beaten at Askam.

The long trip to Cumbria appeared to have an effect on the Sharks as the home side raced into a 22-0 lead.

The Sharks tried to hit back and scored tries through Andrew Fawkes and Matty Holland, both converted by Shaun Squires, but Askam went on to seal a 36-12 win.

Joe Dowsett (two), Mark Tyson, Ben Lawney, Tom Butler, James Duerden and Ryan Bolton crossed for the home side, with Tyson, Mike Wilson and Ryan Tippett (two) adding the goals.

The Sharks have slipped to third place, level on 22 points with Askam, who have played two games more. Cross host bottom side Castleford Panthers on Saturday.