Toulouse Hold Off York to Keep Winning Run

Stade Ernest‑Wallon saw Toulouse Olympique edge past York Knights 30‑22, extending a remarkable run of form that includes a 60‑18 win over Catalans and a 46‑0 demolition of St Helens. The hosts surged to a 28‑0 half‑time lead thanks to tries from Jake Shorrocks, Luke Polselli, Olly Ashall‑Bott, Paul Ulberg and Henry O’Kane, with Shorrocks adding five goals. York erupted after the break, bagging three quick scores from Oli Field, Sam Wood and Nikau Williams, while Tom Inman clinched a late consolation. The victory marks Toulouse’s first three consecutive Super League wins, and they now sit on eight points after just one previous home success.

Shorrocks opened the scoring early, racing onto an Ethan Quai‑Ward inside pass after a penalty kick. Polselli capitalized on a well‑crafted move that saw Ashall‑Bott pop a crucial pass as he was pulled down. Ashall‑Bott then crossed for his own try, and Ulberg leapt onto a one‑handed flick from Quai‑Ward to touch down in the corner. O’Kane finished the first‑half domination when Paul McShane failed to handle a grubber from Anthony Marion.

York’s resurgence came in a frantic nine‑minute spell after the break. Field punched the first line‑break try, Wood barged over three defenders for the second, and Williams weaved in on the left flank. Bennison’s three goals narrowed the gap, but a Shorrocks penalty kept Toulouse ahead until Inman’s converted score three minutes from time forced a tense finish.

Match Overview

The French side’s attack was highlighted by coach Sylvain Houles, who noted the importance of securing a home win for the supporters. He pointed out that prior to this game they had only one victory on French soil. Houles warned that York would be tough opponents, recalling their recent Championship encounters and acknowledging their second‑half resilience.

York Knights coach Mark Applegarth praised Toulouse’s first‑half performance, saying they capitalised on errors. He described the second half as a “tale of two halves” and reflected on the need for better team behaviours and intent. Despite the loss, Applegarth was proud of the fight York showed in the second half and vowed to address the issues highlighted in the dressing room.

Key Stats

• Combined 106 points in Toulouse’s previous two fixtures (60‑18 vs Catalans, 46‑0 vs St Helens)
• Six tries scored in total: five for Toulouse, one for York
• Shorrocks’s five goals and one penalty; Bennison’s three goals for York
• Referee Chris Kendall oversaw the contest at Stade Ernest‑Wallon

Starting XVs

• Toulouse Olympique: Ashall‑Bott, Laguerre, Polselli, Quai‑Ward, Ulberg, Lacans, Shorrocks, Roumanos, Marion, Butler, O’Kane, Jussaume, Cator
• Interchanges: Rodriguez, Chan, Toleafoa, Grossemy
• York Knights: Mata’afa, Bennison, Galeano, Williams, Nofoaluma, Hunter, McShane, Martin, Inman, Va’a, Wood, Field, Thompson
• Interchanges: Balmforth, Vaughan, Dee, Hingano

The win keeps Toulouse on a four‑game winning streak, while York’s positive run stalls at three straight victories. Both sides will look to build on this encounter as the Super League calendar continues.