Davies on song with hat-trick

Jonathan Davies was on peak form for Warrington yesterday, collecting 28 points in his side's 68-20 Stones Bitter Championship thrashing of Doncaster at Wilderspool.

The Welshman went over for a hat-trick of tries and added eight goals as Warrington restored some pride after last weekend's Regal Trophy final loss to Wigan. Not so happy were third-placed Halifax, who suffered a 27-24 reverse at home to Salford, who fought back from a 10-point deficit with four tries in 12 minutes.

Fourth-placed Bradford Northern also lost, Paul Burns collecting three tries in Workington Town's 32-14 win on the Cumbrian coast. St Helens, in fifth place, fared no better, losing 35-31 to Sheffield Eagles at the Don Valley.

In the Second Division, Keighley Cougars moved five points clear at the top of the table after a 24-8 home win over Bramley. Andy Eyres, the Keighley winger, claimed a hat-trick of tries while the centre, Nick Pinkney, equalled his own club record with his 31st try of the season.