Featherstone Rovers v Widnes Vikings Betfred Championship Round5 Sunday 21st April 2024

A third home game of the season for Featherstone and another against  a top 4 side, Widnes were unbeaten coming into this one, so could Rovers make it back to back wins, or could Widnes continue their solid start to the season?

It was played at the Millennium Stadium

1^st Rovers try- Gale in corner

After 9 minutes, and a decent start by Rovers, they struck first as Turner put Minikin away superbly and Gale scored in corner, unsuccessful conversion.

2^nd Feath try- England untouched

14 minutes later, England ran the line and went through untouched, successful conversion by Addy.

1^st Widnes try- Roberts scored

Just before halftime, nice by Widnes as Gilmore did a superb flat pass to Roberts who flew through the gap to score, successful conversion by Gilmore.

3^rd Rovers try- Hall scored

On the hooter, Rovers extended their lead as Rovers chipped over top and Hall gathered to score, successful converison by Addy.

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 16-6 Widnes Vikings

A good first half by Rovers and they went in at halftime feeling good 3 tries to 1, could they continue 2^nd half?

4^th Feath try- Day crashed over

After 43 minutes, Day crashed over to extend Rovers lead further, successful conversion by Addy.

2^nd Widnes try- Ince at corner

After 50 minutes, Owens did a cut out pass to Ince who dived in at corner, successful conversion by Gilmore.

3^rd Widnes try- Owen scored under posts 

Just before the hour, Widnes back in it as Langtree he made a break and pass round corner for Owens to score under posts, Gilmore scored under posts.

4^th Widnes try- Ince’s 2^nd 

After 68 minutes, Widnes level after Widnes moved it through hands quick and Ince scored , successful conversion by Gilmore.

5^th Fev try- Wynne scored

Five minutes later, Jones did a lovely pass and Wynne was over to score, successful conversion by Addy.

6^th Rovers try- Wynne’s 2^nd 

After 78 minutes, Rovers sealed the win as Wynne scored his 2^nd, successful conversion by Addy

Fulltime score: Featherstone Rovers 32-24 Widnes Vikings

A exciting game as Rovers looked to be in control, then Widnes went ahead with 10 to go, then Rovers wrestled back the advantage.

Next for Rovers is their 1^st trip to Cumbria this year as they face Whitehaven on Sunday 28^th April with  3pm kickoff.

Doncaster v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Championhip Round 4 Sunday 14th April 2024

This was round 4 of the Championship season and Rovers have won one and lost two of their first three games, but Doncaster haven’t had a good start, so could Rovers get  a 2^nd win of the season, or could Doncaster inflict a 3^rd defeat of the season on Rovers?

It was played at Eco Power Stadium

Reynolds sinbinned for Rovers

After 4 minutes, Rovers had Reynolds sent to sin bin for dissent

1^st Rovers try- Jones from dummy half

After 11 minutes, Rovers struck first as Jones did a trademark dart from dummy half, unsuccessful conversion by Addy.

On the quarter hour, Briscoe switched it to Guzdek who were both close to going over, but  Rovers held firm.

2^nd Rovers try- Gale in corner

After 23 minutes,  after back to back sets, Rovers worked it wide and Gale scored in corner, successful conversion just by Reynolds as it went over the crossbar.

Just after half hour, Robinson’s kick ended with Briscoe forcing a drop out, then quick passing nearly got Guzdek in but couldn’t quite score.

Rovers penalty- Reynolds converted

After 35 minutes, a illegal tackle by Hepi gave Rovers the penalty and Reynolds took the two and converted.

3^rd Feath try- Jones intercept and sprinted away

Just before halftime, Gale tried to pass but Jones intercepted and sprinted away 60 metres and scored, unsuccessful conversion by Reynolds.

1^st Doncaster try- Guzdek scored

On stroke of halftime, Hey and Guzdek combined back and forth and Guzdek scored, unsuccessful conversion.

Halftime score: Doncaster 4-16 Featherstone Rovers

Rovers took their opportunities, Doncaster had a couple but onmly took one, could ROvers finish it off 2^nd half?

4^th Rovers try- Reynolds  stretched

After 43 minutes, Reynolds stretched over to score, he converted his own try.

5^th Feath try- Aekins scored

Five minutes later, Turner broke the line and Aekins was in support to score, successful converison by Reynolds.

6^th Rovers try- Day close range

After 53 minutes, Turner offloaded to Day who scored from close range, successful conversion by Reynolds, Rovers stretching clear.

7^th Feath try- Day’s 2^nd 

Just before the hour, a 2^nd try for Day as Turner passed nicely again, successful conversion by Reynolds.

8^th Rovers try- Bowes determination

After 64 minutes, a solo try as Bowes kicked to himself and grounded the ball down, successful conversion by Reynolds.

Fulltime score: Doncaster 4-46 Featherstone Rovers

Some good tries by ROvers as they got back to winning ways for only their 2^nd win of the Championship season.

Next for Rovers is their 3^rd home game of the season as they welcome Widnes Vikings to the Millennium Stadium on Sunday 21^st April with a 3pm kickoff.

Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers 1895 Group stage match 2 Sunday 4th February 2024

This was the 2nd and final group game of the 1895Cup for Featherstone, but Batley’s first run out in 2024, a win for Rovers would guarantee their spot in the quarter finals, a defeat and it would be down to the other results in the groups, as to if Rovers got through or not.

It was played at Fox’s Biscuits Stadium

1^st Rovers try- Minikin scored

After five minutes, a strong start for Rovers as Minkin tore through Batley defence and scored, successful conversion by Reynolds.

1^st Batley try- Cooper scored

Three minutes later, Cooper scored against his former club from close range, successful conversion by Woods.

Batley penalty- Woods conversion

After 12 minutes, Rovers did a infringement which gave Batley the penalty 12 metres out, and Woods kicked it to put Batley in front.

Addy sinbinned

Six minutes later, Addy sinbinned for 10 minutes for late tackle, Batley chose to take the two but Woods kicked wide.

2^nd Batley try- Kear scored in corner

After 23 minutes, Butterworth did quick hands and batted it on for Kear to scored in corner,  unsuccessful conversion by Woods.

A minute later, Rovers held up twice over line and got a fresh set but didn’t make anything from it.

Halftime score: Batley Bulldogs 12-6 Featherstone Rovers

It was a good start for Rovers but a few errors allowed Batley back into it, and Batley were in front at halftime, could Rovers turn it round 2^nd half?

After 50 minutes, Minikin looked to have got ball down from Reynolds, but the ref ruled otherwise and Rovers had another set from a dropout.

2^nd Rovers try- Gale in corner

After 53 minutes, superb work by Aekins to find Gale out wide and Gale scored in corner, unsuccessful conversion by Reynolds.

3^rd Rovers try- Wacokecoke with his 1^st try for Rovers

Just before the hour mark, Rovers edged back in front as Wacokecoke went over for his first ever professional try, unsuccessful conversion by Reynolds.

Batley penalty- Woods converted

With 8 minutes remaining, Batley won a penalty and Woods converted it for a level game.

Batley dropgoal- Woods kicked

After 75 minutes, Batley decided to go for a dropgoal and Woods successfully kicked it.

Fulltime score: Batley Bulldogs 15-14 Featherstone Rovers

A closely contested battle as it always seems to be between these two, and Batley came out on top just.

It means Featherstone’s fate is in the hands of the other group games in 2 weeks time, as to if they progress as one of the best 2^nd placed teams.

Next for Rovers it is another cup game this time in the Challenge Cup 3^rd round as they go to Merseyside to take on Thatto Heath Crusaders with a 2pm kickoff.

Featherstone Rovers Barrow Raiders Betfred Championship Round 13 Sunday 4th June 2023 (by dedicated flatcapper Daniel Crossfield)

It was game 13 of the season for both Featherstone and Barrow, so who would it be lucky or unlucky for, Barrow haven’t won at Feath since 2019 so could Rovers keep their unbeaten run going, or would Barrow cause a shock?

It was played at the Millennium Stadium

After two minutes, good start by Barrow as they broke through Archer and Langtree then won a penalty but couldn’t take advantage luckily for Rovers.

Four minutes later, first Rovers attack and nice kick by Ford just didn’t bounce for Rovers.

After 12 minutes, Rovers worked it wide and kicked it but forced Barrow into a dropout, then on next set Rovers got to last tackle again and forced another dropout.

1^st Rovers try- Hall with super run

On next attack, Rovers struck and Hall did a superb run to score in corner, successful conversion by Hall.

2^nd Rovers try-  Briscoe with sidestep

Five minutes later, Rovers scored their 12,000^th professional try as a club as they got it out wide on last and Briscoe sidestepped his man to dive over in corner, successful conversion by Hall.

Then another feath chance but Briscoe sidestepped again but dropped ball near line

3^rd Rovers try- Aekins scored

Just after half hour, it went back to one and Aekins drove forward and managed to get ball down in front of sticks, successful conversion by Hall.

4^th Rovers try- Gale dived over in corner

With five minutes until halftime, Barrow lost it and Hall kicked it forward and nearly scored, then Rovers worked it wide and Gale did superbly to dive over in corner, successful conversion by Hall from wide.

5^th Feath try- Yei broke and stormed over

On the stroke of halftime, Yei broke and he stormed over under sticks, successful conversion by Hall

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 30-0 Barrow Raiders

Barrow started OK but as soon as Rovers scored their first, it was comfortable for them.

After 48 minutes, Barrow thought they’d scored but ref ruled a forward pass but Johnston dived over anyway.

1^st Barrow try- Broadbent in corner

Three minutes later, nice Barrow try as they worked it wide and Broadbent scored in corner, successful conversion from touch by Archer.

6^th Rovers try- walkin for Hankinson

Three minutes later, another feath try as ball went through hands and Hankinson scored easily, unsuccessful conversion by Hall.

7^th Feath try- Hau latched onto kick

After 57 minutes, Hau latched onto a good kick and scored to left of sticks on his home debut, successful conversion by Hall.

8^th Rovers try- Bussey scored

On the hour, another try for Rovers as Bussey barged over to score under sticks, successful conversion by Hall.

9^th Rovers try- Jones’ 50^th for club

With 15 minutes left, a good try by Rovers as Barrow dropped a kick and Jones spun and scored over line, successful conversion by Hall.

10^th fev try- Lacans

After 78 minutes, Lacans scored a trademark try, successful conversion by Hall.

11^th Rovers try- Jones’ 2^nd

The hooter sounded but Hankinson’s deft kick found its way to Jones who scored his 2^nd of the game, successful conversion by Hall.

Fulltime score: Featherstone Rovers 64-6 Barrow Raiders

A good performance by Rovers with some nice tries mixed in there too, but credit Barrow they didn’t stop trying, but its 13 out of 13 for Rovers now.

Rovers are top of the table on 26 points, 8 points clear of the chasing pack.

Next for Rovers it’s a big one as their chance of redemption is here as they welcome Toulouse Olympique to the Millennium Stadium on Saturday 10^th June 2023 with a 6pm kickoff.

Swinton Lions v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Championship Round 6 Sunday 19th March 2023

This was a chance for Rovers to respond to their cup exit, as they were away for the 1^st time since round 1 as they went to Swinton, so could Rovers make it 6 out of 6 in the league?

It was played at Heywood Park

 1^st Feath try- Gale in corner

After four minutes, Rovers hit the front as they moved it left and an offload enabled Gale to score in corner,  successful conversion by Dean.

After nine minutes, Rovers broke the line but knocked on.

2^nd Rovers try- Evans raced away

Justbefore the quarter hour, Leilua made space down right wing which enabled Evans torace away to score, unsuccessful conversion by Dean.

Four minutes later, Rovers  knocked on inside Swinton’s 20m.

1^st Swinton try- Greenwood scored

After 23 minutes, from the scrum Swinton attacked the line and Greenwood forced his way over to score on his debut, despite several defenders trying to stop him, successful conversion by Abram.

Just before the half hour, on the left Swinton tried a low kick but Wildie collected before knocking on halfway.

After 35 minutes, Swinton tapped a penalty in front of sticks, and were held up , kick in goal went dead for a 20m restart.

3^rd Feath try- Hardcastle powered over

Just before halftime, Rovers moved ball quickly close to Swinton line, and Hardcastle powered over to score,  successful conversion by Dean.

Halftime score: Swinton Lions 6-16 Featherstone Rovers

Decent first half by Rovers but still a few errors, Swinton had a good 15minutes after they scored, could Rovers improve 2^nd half?

After 42 minutes, Rovers looked to take advantage of scrum and pushed ball wide, but pass put down.

Rovers sinbin – Leilua

After 47 minutes, Swinton attacked line from the penalty,and Leilua sinbinned for shoulder charge.

4^th Rovers try- Lacans in the corner

After 52 minutes, Lacans sprinted half the pitch to score in corner, unsuccessful conversion from Dean from wide.

Three minutes later, Rovers made it to 40m on last, kick found touch and Swinton scrum in own 20m, 1^st tackle Swinton knocked on and Rovers got possession back.

Just before the hour, Rovers moved ball to left but good Swinton defence forced Rovers into touch.

Rovers sinbin- Cozza

After 63 minutes, Cozza sinbinned for a crusher tackle.

5^th Rovers try-Jones spun away

Five minutes later, Jones found a way through for Rovers as he spun over in the tackle to score,successful conversion by Dean.

After73 minutes, Rovers allowed Swinton to get touch with a penalty,  but they dropped it in Rovers 20m.

6^th Feath try- Edwards’ 2^nd 

With two minutes left, Leilua flicked a pass as he was about to be pushed into touch, and Evans scored for his 2^nd try of the game, unsuccessful conversion by Dean.

7^th Rovers try- Aekins

 A minute later, Aekins snuck in the corner, unsuccessful conversion by Dean

Fulltime score: Swinton Lions 6-34 Featherstone Rovers

A mixed afternoon for Rovers, but it’s another win to make it 6from 6 and remain top of the league.

Featherstone Rovers v Haifax Panthers Betfred Championship Round 2 Sunday 12th February 2023

The 1^st home game of the season for Featherstone Rovers and a 2^nd West Yorkshire derby as they took on Halifax Panthers, both started with a win in round 1 , so who would keep their 100% start?

It was played at Millennium Stadium

1^st Rovers try- Hankinson broke the line

After 6 minutes, Rovers struck first as Hankinson broke the line on last tackle, successful conversion by Hankinson.

2^nd Fev try- Springer barged over

Four minutes later, it was try two as Springer bursted through to score, successful conversion by Hankinson.

3^rd Rovers try- Wildie pounced

After 23 minutes, Wildie pounced on a tap through from Dean and it was three tries in 23 minutes for Rovers, successful conversion by Hankinson.

4^th Fev try- Aekins scored on home debut

Just after the half hour, Aekins skipped through defence and planted ball down for a 4^th Rovers try, successful conversion by Hankinson

1^st Halifax try- Walmsley

Three minutes later, Halifax scored their 1^st points against Rovers defence this season, unsuccessful conversion by Keyes

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 24-4 Halifax Panthers

It was a dominant first half by Rovers as they looked good, disappointing to let Halifax score, could Rovers continue 2^nd half?

Rovers penalty- Hankinson converted

After 46 minutes, Hankinson converted a penalty for Rovers

5^th Fev try- Aekins’ 2^nd

Two minutes later, a 2^nd try for Aekins as he carved his way through to score, successful conversion by Hankinson.

6^th Rovers try- Dean scored

Five minutes later, Dean powered his way through defence to score, unsuccessful conversion by Hankinson.

2^nd Halifax try- Walmsley’s 2^nd

Just before the hour, Walmsley collected bouncing ball to score in corner, successful conversion by Keyes.

7^th Rovers try- Jones scored

After 66 minutes, Jones applied afterburners to race through and pounced on ball to make it 40, successful conversion by Hankinson

3^rd Halifax try- Wooburn-Hall scored

After 70 minutes, Woodburn-Hall carved his way through defence to score, successful conversion by Keyes.

8^th Fev try- Gale skipped through

With five minutes left, Gale skipped through on left, unsuccessful conversion by Hankinson

4^th Halifax try- Woodburn-Hall’s 2^nd

After 79 minutes, Woodburn-Hall found room on right edge to squeeze through, successful conversion by Keyes.

Fulltime score: Featherstone Rovers 46-22 Halifax Panthers

Rovers were better side, but Halifax ended the stronger team, Rovers would have been disappointed to concede 22 points from a strong position, but 2 wins out of 2 to start season.

Next for Rovers is their 2^nd home game of the season against Whitehaven on Sunday 19^th February 2023 with a 3pm kickoff.

Newcastle Thunder v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Championship Round 13 Thursday 2nd June 2022

This was a game for Featherstone against the only team they had yet to play this season which was Newcastle Thunder, a chance to remain unbeaten in the league and a chance to bounce back from the disappointment at Tottenham, so could Rovers start the bank holiday weekend with a win?

It was played at Kingston Park

1st Rovers try- Leilua scored
After 6 minutes, Briscoe broke superbly which drew the last defender in and Leilua was in to score under the sticks, successful conversion by Hall.

2nd Feath try- Wildie’s 4th try of the year
Five minutes later, Wildie scored his 4th try of 2022 as he caught a high kick and scored to left of sticks, successful conversion by Bussey.

Just before the half hour, Newcastle’s best attacking set of the match as on last tackle, they forced a dropout. A minute later, forward pass as Newcastle looked to attack Rovers line.
After 33 minutes, Rovers attacked the line as a pair of penalties were given away, but Peachey made big tackle and Rovers knocked on.

1st Newcastle try- Donaghy scored
A minute later, Newcastle got set restart, two drives set the tone, Robson then offloaded to Donaghy who scored in the corner, unsuccessful conversion.
After 38 minutes, Newcastle went close to back to back tries as Bailey tried to driver over from close range on the last.

2nd Newcastle try- Robson scored
A minute before halftime, Newcastle broke on right wing and Robson scored under sticks after a nice offload, successful conversion by Dean and it was game on.

Halftime score: Newcastle Thunder 10-12 Featherstone Rovers
It was a good start by Featherstone, but Newcastle came back into it and it was game on, could Rovers survive the 2nd half, or would they take it away from Newcastle?

3rd Rovers try- Jacks 13th try of season
After 44 minutes, it was a 13th try of the season for Jacks under the sticks, successful conversion by Bussey.

Four minutes later, Newcastle couldn’t find way over on the last.

4th Rovers try- Smith scored after good determination
After 51 minutes, Smith showed determination to burrow through for a try, unsuccessful conversion

5th Feath try- Bussey scored
Six minutes later, it was one of those purple patches Rovers have as Bussey picked up a brilliant pass by Smith and danced past the defence to make his goal attempt easier, unsuccessful conversion by Bussey.

6th Rovers try- Smith’s 2nd
After 64 minutes, Fev won battle for high ball and it was shipped back on last and Smith scored, successful conversion by Bussey.

7th Fev try- Smith hat trick
Four minutes later, Smith scored his hat trick as he gathered his own kick and wriggled to the ground, successful conversion by Bussey.

8th Rovers try- Jacks 2nd try
Two minutes later, Jacks tidied up after Newcastle dropped on 5th and last, and Jacks dived over, unsuccessful conversion by Bussey.

9th Fev try- Gale scored in corner
After 76 minutes, ball went wide and defenders stretched which allowed Gale to score in corner, unsuccessful conversion by Bussey.

Fulltime score: Newcastle Thunder 10-46 Featherstone Rovers
After a close 1st half, Rovers blitzed Newcastle in the 2nd half to remain unbeaten in the league and remain top of the Championship.

Highlights of this game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBe5uTNp6ic
Next for Rovers is a home game under the lights (even though it’ll be light all the way through) against Bradford Bulls at the Millennium Stadium on Monday 6th June on Premier Sports with a 7:45pm kickoff.

Featherstone Rovers v Halifax Panthers Match report by Daniel Crossfield (a dedicated flatcapper watching at the stadium)

Featherstone Rovers v Halifax Panthers Betfred Championship Round 5 Sunday 6th March 2022
A week after they played each other in the Challenge cup, the Rovers and the Panthers met again in the league with 2 points at stake, so could Rovers continue their unbeaten start or could Halifax be the 1st team to beat them this season?

It was played at the Millennium Stadium

After 2 minutes, McComb held up near the line.
Three minutes later, Halifax took a risk but play broke down, Jouffret’s attempted offload tried releasing Walmsley but it drifted forward.

Sinbin for Halifax
After 10 minutes, Rovers were nearly punished as pass behind was nearly intercepted but back to back Rovers penalties and Barber sinbinned but Rovers attack broke down.
Just before the quarter hour, Keyes kicked to corner but Briscoe held Walmsley off, Rovers had a huge overlap on left, but couldn’t capitalise.

Just after the quarter hour, Rovers broke on last tackle but Briscoe lost ball.

1st Halifax try- good play by Halifax
At the midway point of the 1st half after 22 minutes, it was first blood to Halifax as Jouffret ran and dummied at the line, successful conversion by Keyes.
Just before the half hour, Tangata and Kavanagh had good drives but Jouffret’s kick was too deep.
1st Rovers try – dive in corner by Gale.

On the half hour, Rovers worked it wide and Gale dived over in the corner, unsuccessful conversion by Hall from touch.
After 34 minutes, Rovers ran it on left but Halifax held them up.
The last 1st half action was after 37 minutes as Jacks did a show and go near the line, but was held up.

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 4-6 Halifax Panthers
It was a poor 1st half by Rovers, could they improve in the 2nd half, surely they could?
After 47 minutes, Halifax knocked on near the line, Rovers knocked on too but won a penalty but were bundled into touch.

2nd Halifax try- Aston crashed over
Six minutes later, Aston crashed over for Halifax to extend their lead, successful conversion by Keyes and Halifax led 12-4.

Sinbin for Rovers
A minute or two later, Wildie was sinbinned for Rovers for a late tackle.
After 56 minutes, Jacks chipped it on last but 2Jouffret took it, and Gwaze then lost control.
Just before the hour, Saltonstall stopped a walkin try for Briscoe.

2nd Rovers try- Jouffret didn’t collect.
On the hour, Smith’s grubber wasn’t dealt with by Jouffret and Smith dived on the ball to score, unsuccessful conversion by Hall.

Two minutes later, Jouffret broke but was stopped, Keyes went so close as he was stopped a metre from the line, Murray went over but not given so he must have been short of the line.
After 67 minutes, Rovers won a penalty as Ferres carried within 20 metres of the Halifax line

3rd Rovers try- Nice play by Rovers
In the same minute Halifax tried to stop a breakaway and Hall stepped back inside to go over, Successful conversion by Hall for 1st time of the afternoon and Rovers edged in front.

Rovers penalty
After 74 minutes, Cuthbertson was caught high, Rovers penalty and chose to go for the2, Hall went for goal and converted it.
With a minute left, Walmsley went for the intercept but didn’t collect

4th Rovers try
With the last action of the game, Hall went over to finish the game off, successful conversion by Hall

Fulltime score: Featherstone Rovers 22-12 Halifax Panthers
Not for the 1st time this season, it was a unconvincing win for the Rovers but they ground it out to remain unbeaten this season. Halifax wont get a better chance to beat them this season.

Next for Rovers is their 5th round Challenge Cup tie away at Batley Bulldogs, so another Yorkshire cup tie for Rovers.

Halifax Panthers v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Challenge Cup 4th round Sunday 27th February 2022

It was a cup tie between two West Yorkshire teams and games between Halifax and Featherstone Rovers tend to be tight.
So would Halifax get a win to kickstart their season, or would Featherstone continue their greast start to the season?
It was played at The Shay.

After two minutes, Murray went through half a gap but was tackled at last second, a high kick was spilled by Gale, for another set for Fax. Then Murray took a short ball at the line and went clos but was held up, on the next play Barber looked to offload but another Halifax set as it hit a Rovers hand.
A minute later, a nice crossfield kick by Keyes was taken by Briscoe but he was trapped in goal.
After six minutes, the Rovers line survived as a crossfield kick nearly went out, Saltonstall got a hand to it to try and keep it in but went forward.
Then a minute later, 1st Rovers attack as Chisholm did a high kick, Jouffret claimed it and avoided the 1st line of defence with good footwork but Arundel as bundled into touch, and Rovers were 40m from the Fax line.

1st Rovers try- Good play by Rovers
After 10 minutes and after soaking up early Halifax pressure, it was Featherstone who struck first as they got ball out wide on left as Hall set Gale up on the outside who went over in corner, unsuccessful conversion by Hall from touch.
Just before the quarter hour, Leilua went close but held up as Rovers ran the powerplay again.

2nd Rovers try- Jones crashed over
Minutes after Bussey was held up, Jones collected a offload and went through a huge gap in the Halifax line to crash over near the sticks successful conversion by Hall.
After 20 minutes, Gale was taken high on the next set and Rovers had the 1st penalty, Walmsley intercepted to stop a chance on the Rovers right, Keyes put in a high kick, but Pickersgill was clattered by Walmsley.

Fev penalty
Two minutes later, Bussey was flattened and ref awarded a penalty, Rovers surprisingly went for goal, and Hall missed it.
Four minutes later, Roversl went down short side, but Hall’s ball to Gale was knocked on.
Just after the half hour, Halifax had a big chance as Walmsley stepped inside and fought his way over for a try but his foot was in touch. Rovers penalty and Moors took it to within 30 metres but held up.
After 37 minutes, Chisholm chipped over top as Jouffret claimed it, but knocked on, Rovers scrum 10m out, Wildie took a Cuthbertson offload but was whacked by Kavanagh.

3rd Rovers try – Walk-in try
Just before halftime, Rovers created an overlap and Briscoe went over in the corner, Successful conversion by Hall from touch.,

Halftime score: Halifax Panthers 0-16 Featherstone Rovers
It was a good start by Halifax but Rovers were more clinical with chances that came their way, could Rovers continue momentum in 2nd half?

1st Halifax try – dummy and short ball
What a start to the 2nd half by Halifax as Aston did a lovely dummy and Barber flew through a big gap, found Jouffret who went over under the sticks, successful conversion by Keyes.
Two minutes later, Halifax close again but Briscoe claimed the kick.
Three minutes later, Rovers lost ball on powerplay, then Halifax won a penalty. From the penalty, a massive chance for Halifax as Keyes stepped off the left and opened up, Pickersgill did just about enough to stop him, they went wide buy Barber couldn’t find Saltosnstall.
After 50 minutes, Smith kicked wide on the last as Salstonstall stopped it, Aston took the pass and raced away, but was brought down by Gale or else it would have been a 90 metre try.

2nd Halifax try- good kick and try for Halifax
A minute later, Keyes kicked on the last, Walmsley flew into the air and snatched it from Briscoe’s grasp to spin his way over, unsuccessful conversion by Keyes from touch.

4th Feath try- easy try in corner
Five minutes later, Halifax made a mistake, Rovers did a lopping pas over the top which sent Briscoe in on the right corner, from touchline Hall successful conversion.
After 63 minutes, Kavanagh got offload away, but it hit a Rovers hand which meant another set for Halifax as they probed but the attack broke down as Gwaze lost it.
Two minutes later, Featherstone ran the powerplay again as Leilua was stopped, then a minute later, Aston pushed through the line, found Jouffret in support but his pass didn’t stick.

3rd Halifax try – Intercept
With ten minutes to go, Halifax held out from a Rovers attack, Smith’s attempted pass to Leilua was snapped up and Walmsley raced 95 metres to score his 2nd try of the game, successful conversion by Keyes and it was game on with a 6 point ball game.
After 72 minutes, Smith went for a drop goal for Rovers but he missed much to the annoyance of Rovers players. A minute later, Keyes threw a dummy and went through gap and nearly got through but stopped.

Drop goal for fev – scruffy Drop goal
With five minutes left, Smith went for drop goal again and this time it went off the post and over.

5th Rovers try
With a minute left, Pickersgill went over for the Rovers as he picked through the defence, successful conversion by Hall.

Fulltime score: Halifax Panthers 16-29 Featherstone Rovers
It was a valiant 2nd half by Halifax, but Rovers got the job done and are into the 5th round of the Challenge Cup.

Next for Rovers is a repeat of this game but this time in the Championship as they welcome Halifax to the Millenium Stadium on Sunday 6th March 2022 with a 3pm kickoff.

Workington Town v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Championship Round 3 Sunday 13th February 2022

It was a very rainy Sunday afternoon for the 1st of three trips to Cumbria this season for Featherstone Rovers, as they took on a Workington side who had conceded 90 points in their 1st 2 games, so could Featherstone make it 3 wins from 3 to start the season?

It was played at Derwent Park

After three minutes, Rovers attacked the Workington line and a last-ditch pass from Moors was intercepted.#
Two minutes later, Pickersgill went close in the corner, but was tackled into touch.

1st Rovers try – Bussey crashed over
After seven minutes, the 1st try went to Rovers as Bussey crashed over from short range from Wildie’s pass, successful conversion by Hall.

2nd Rovers try- Scrappy try
Just after the quarter hour, Gale did a speculative kick and Pickersgill pounced to score, unsuccessful conversion by Hall.

3rd Rovers try- Diving try by Gale
Just after the half hour, Gale collected a fumbled ball and got over for Rovers, from the touchline unsuccessful conversion by Hall.

Halftime score: Workington Town 0-14 Featherstone Rovers
A good 1st half by Rovers 3 tries in the wind and rain, could they continue 2nd half?

1st Workington try
After 44 minutes, a strange kick early in the set by Workington was chased and grounded by Teare, successful conversion by Thomas.
Four minutes later, Wildie grubber kicked on last play to get the ball down, but ref deemed the ball was fumbled.

4th Featherstone try – break by Wildie set Jones up
Just before the hour, Wildie broke superbly and Jones finished it to score, successful conversion by Hall to get the three try lead back.

2nd Workington try
With 9 minutes remaining, Workington scored in the corner as Fitzsimmons scored, unsuccessful conversion.

5th Rovers try- Show and go by Bussey
With two minutes left, Bussey did a show and go to score, successful conversion by Hall.

Fulltime score: Workington Town 10-26 Featherstone Rovers
A good win by Rovers given the conditions as their unbeatens tart continued.
The only unbeaten teams after 3 weeks in the Championship are Widnes and Featherstone

Highlights of this game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwAD6Jp6pXg
Next for Featherstone is their 2nd home game of the season against London Broncos at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday 19th February with a 5:30pm kickoff.