York secured a convincing 38-14 triumph over fellow relegation‑battlers Toulouse at the LNER Community Stadium, thanks in large part to a spectacular hat‑trick from Scott Galeano. The win marked York's third Betfred Super League success of the season and snapped a five‑match losing streak that had spanned all competitions. The Knights opened the scoring early, with Paul Vaughan – who was celebrating his 35th birthday on the day – powering over the line under the posts.
A subsequent try in the corner was disallowed when officials determined that the ball had not been properly grounded. Undeterred, York pressed on and Vaughan added a second try before the half‑hour mark.
Cody Hunter's reliable conversion pushed the home side ahead 12-0 after just 20 minutes of play. Toulouse responded after about thirty minutes when Thomas Lacans used his quick footwork to cut inside and touch down, putting the French side on the scoreboard.
However, York quickly reclaimed the initiative when Galeano, playing on the right wing, dove into the corner for his first try of the night, extending the lead to 18-6 at the break. The second half saw York continue to dominate. In the 55th minute, a kicked ball was chased by Jesse Dee, who managed to hook it back as he was driven into the advertising boards. The ensuing scramble left Galeano with a clear path to the try line, and he crossed for his second score, further cementing York's control of the match.
Kieran Buchanan added another try shortly thereafter, giving York a comfortable cushion. Hunter then slotted a penalty goal, bringing the tally to 32-6 just after the hour mark. Toulouse, who had been sitting at the bottom of the table on points difference behind York, managed to find a glimmer of hope in the 66th minute. Henry O'Kane displayed impressive power by grounding the ball despite being held up by a pair of York defenders, narrowing the gap to 32-12.
The Knights did not let up. With eight minutes remaining, Galeano completed his hat‑trick, securing his third try of the evening and sealing the outcome for York. Toulouse added a late consolation try when Mathieu Jussaume burst through the defense, but the French side ultimately suffered their seventh league defeat of the campaign.
In other Super League action on Thursday night, Leigh Leopards overcame Huddersfield Giants 30-16. Josh Charnley, celebrating his 400th appearance, crossed the line twice in the second half, raising his career try total to 263 and moving within five of Ryan Hall's all‑time record. AJ Towse also contributed a brace, while Innes Senior added a try and Lachlan Lam was awarded a penalty try.
Huddersfield's points came from tries by Adam Swift, Taane Milne and Jacob Gagai. The Giants remain joint‑bottom of the table, level with Toulouse on four points, while Leigh's victory lifted them into eighth place. York's performance highlighted several key themes.
Firstly, the impact of experienced players like Vaughan cannot be overstated; his early scores set the tone and forced Toulouse onto the back foot. Secondly, Galeano's hat‑trick underscored his growing reputation as a prolific finisher on the wing, combining speed, positional awareness, and an instinct for the try line. The Knights' ability to convert opportunities, with Hunter's accurate goal‑kicking, also proved decisive. Toulouse's struggles continue to be a concern for the league.
Despite occasional flashes of resilience, such as O'Kane's try, the side has failed to string together consistent performances, leaving them entrenched at the bottom of the standings. Their defensive lapses, particularly in the first half, allowed York to build a lead that proved insurmountable.
Looking ahead, York will aim to build on this momentum and climb out of the relegation zone, while Toulouse must address both defensive frailties and scoring efficiency if they hope to avoid the drop. For Leigh, the win over Huddersfield provides a platform to push further up the table, and Charnley's milestone season suggests he still has plenty to offer.
Fans can continue to follow the Super League action through Sky Sports, which broadcasts every match live this season, offering exclusive live coverage of two fixtures each round and streaming the remaining games on its platform. The league also provides a range of digital tools, including customizable sports notifications, to keep supporters up to date with scores, tables, and breaking news.