York secured a convincing 38-14 victory over fellow relegation‑battle opponents Toulouse at the LNER Community Stadium, thanks in large part to a spectacular hat‑trick from Australian winger Scott Galeano. The win marked York's third triumph in the Betfred Super League this season and snapped a five‑match losing streak that had spanned all competitions. The match got off to an early burst of excitement when York centre Paul Vaughan, who was celebrating his 35th birthday on the day, powered his way over the line under the posts. Vaughan's first try gave the home side an immediate boost and set the tone for the rest of the first half.
A subsequent try that appeared to be scored in the corner was disallowed after the video referee determined that the ball had not been properly grounded, leaving the score unchanged. York, however, were quick to restore their momentum. Vaughan struck again just minutes later, this time crossing in the centre of the field. The conversion was successfully kicked by Cody Hunter, extending York's lead to 12-0 after only 20 minutes of play.
The early dominance was a clear signal that York were determined to put the season’s earlier setbacks behind them. Around the 30‑minute mark, Toulouse finally got on the scoreboard.
French forward Thomas Lacans displayed impressive footwork, cutting inside and managing to touch down for the visitors. The try gave Toulouse a glimmer of hope, but the lead was short‑lived.
Galeano, showcasing his speed and finishing ability, dived into the right‑hand corner for his first of three tries before the half‑time whistle. By the break, York were ahead 18-6, a comfortable margin that would prove decisive. The second half opened with York continuing to apply relentless pressure. At the 55‑minute point, Jesse Dee chased a high kick deep in York's own territory.
He managed to hook the ball back, but was then driven into the advertising boards by a cluster of defenders. The chaos left the ball in a perfect position for Galeano, who calmly grounded it for his second try of the evening.
The try further widened the gap and underscored Galeano's growing confidence. Kieran Buchanan added another try for York shortly thereafter, cementing the home side's control of the contest.
Cody Hunter then slotted a penalty goal, pushing the score to 32-6 just after the hour mark. At this stage, York's dominance was evident in every facet of the game – from set pieces to open play, the Knights were executing their game plan with precision.
Toulouse, still languishing at the bottom of the league table and trailing York only on points difference, refused to surrender without a fight. In the 66th minute, Henry O'Kane displayed remarkable strength and determination, powering through a group of York defenders to plant the ball for a try. This effort gave the French side a brief resurgence and narrowed the deficit, though it was insufficient to alter the overall trajectory of the match.
As the clock ticked down, York maintained their composure and continued to press. With eight minutes remaining, Galeano completed his hat‑trick, crossing the line for the third time and sealing his personal contribution to the win.
The final try not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also epitomized York's relentless attacking ethos throughout the night. Toulouse managed a late consolation score when Mathieu Jussaume burst through the York defence in the final minutes, securing the visitors a solitary point on the scoreboard.
Despite the try, the French side suffered their seventh league defeat of the season, further entrenching their position near the bottom of the table. Elsewhere on Thursday evening, the Leigh Leopards delivered a solid performance of their own, defeating the Huddersfield Giants 30-16.
Veteran winger Josh Charnley, celebrating his 400th professional appearance, added two second‑half tries to his tally, bringing his Super League try count to 263 – just five shy of Ryan Hall's all‑time record. AJ Towse also contributed two tries, while Innes Senior crossed once and Lachlan Lam earned a penalty try, ensuring Leigh's offense was varied and effective. Huddersfield's points came from tries by Adam Swift, Taane Milne and Jacob Gagai, but their efforts were insufficient to overcome Leigh's disciplined defence and clinical finishing.
The Giants remain joint‑bottom of the league, level with Toulouse on four points, while Leigh's victory lifted them to eighth place in the standings. The latest Super League table reflects York's upward movement following their win, while Toulouse continues to struggle at the foot of the ladder.
Fans can continue to follow the competition through Sky Sports, which will broadcast every match live throughout the season, including exclusive live coverage of two fixtures each round and additional games shown across the week. Overall, the night showcased the impact of individual brilliance – particularly Galeano's hat‑trick – and highlighted the importance of momentum, discipline, and strategic execution in the Super League. York's victory not only adds valuable points to their campaign but also serves as a confidence boost as they aim to climb higher in the standings, while Toulouse must regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks.