Middlesbrough v Leeds United Sky Bet Championship Monday 22nd April 2024

The penultimate away game of the season for Leeds United against a Middlesbrough side who now had nothing to play for, would that make them more dangerous? Could Boro put a dent in Leeds’ automatic promotion hopes, or could Leeds go 2^nd with 2 games to go?

It was played at The Riverside Stadium

1^st Middlesbrough goal – Jones centre of goal

After seven minutes, a early goal for Boro as they broke at pace after Gnonto gave ball away, ball through middle for Lath flicked away by Gruev which allowed Jones to nip in and score into a open net.

Leeds penalty- Rutter fouled

Just before the quarter hour, Leeds won a penalty as Rutter ran down wing with Dijksteel, and Dijksteel tripped him and ref gave a penalty.

1^st Leeds goal and equaliser- Summerville bottom corner

A minute later, Summerville stepped up to take the penalty and buried it into bottom corner, and it was as you were.

2^nd Leeds goal – Bamford off his thigh

Four minutes later, Leeds went in front and it was a nice goal as Firpo put in wonderful ball for Bamford who found space between the 2 centre backs and got slight connection to take it past Dieng, and Leeds were heading 2^nd.

After 25 minutes, Azaz’s corner pushed over bar  by Meslier and 2^nd corner cleared too.

2^nd Boro goal and equaliser- Lath bottom corner

After half a hour, level again as Rutter lost possession and Boro worked it to Lath who made a yard for himself and hit a super shot past Meslier.

Six minutes later, Gruev swung dangerous freekick in and Dieng punched it.

3^rd Leeds goal- Gnonto centre of goal

After 39 minutes, Leeds back in front as Gray’s poor pass kept alive by Summerville and he played ball through to Gnonto who slotted it into centre of goal, possibly offside but no flag went up.

Two minutes later, Bamford denied by diving save by Dieng.

On stroke of halftime, Silvera shot 20 yards out and shot deflected into Meslier’s arms.

In 4^th minute of stoppage time, Silvera went for goal again but went behind.

Halftime score: Middlesbrough 2-3 Leeds United

A superb first half at the Riverside and a 5 goal thriller so far,  could Leeds hold on or would there be more goals?

After 53 minutes, Meslier clawed away cross come shot by O’Brien.

4^th Leeds goal- Summerville bent one into corner

Just after the hour, Leeds had a 2 goal lead as Summerville collected ball after good interplay, and found pocket of space and curled home the most sumptuous goal of the night.

After 71 minutes, Ampadu laid it off to Summerville with outisde of boot but Summerville couldn’t wrap instep round it and it went across face.

With 15 to go, Azaz smashed a shot into side netting.

After 85 minutes, Piroe played great ball to James who was in the area but got tackled superbly by Bangura.

3^rd Boro goal- Lath looped header

2 minutes later, Boro narrowed the gap as Gilbert;’s lofted ball into box found Lath who rose just inside area to loop a header over Meslier and into the net.

In 90^th minute, Azaz flashed a cross which Rodon turned behind nervily, corner came to nothing.

In 2^nd minute of stoppage time, Howson drove shot towards goal but Meslier saved easily.

Fulltime ascore: Middlesbrough 3-4 Leeds United

2^nd half not as creazy as first half and Leeds just about held on for a massive three points.

They are 2^nd on 90 points with 2 games to go.

Highlgihts of this game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSa6lp3fn10

Next for Leeds is their final a way game of the season as they go to QPR on Friday 26^th April with a 8pm kickoff on Sky again.

Thatto Heath v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Challenge Cup Sunday 11th February 2024

This was the first involvement in this year’s Challenge Cup for Featherstone Rovers against amateur team Thatto Heath Crusaders, so could Rovers advance to the 4^th round?

It was played at Close Street

1^st Rovers try- Day scored

After five minutes, Rovers scored the first points as Day found a hole to score the first points of the day, successful conversion by Reynolds.

2^nd Rovers try- Wacokecoke

Five minutes later, Rovers scored a 2^nd as Hardcastle played a nice pass to Wacokecoke who scored in corner, successful conversion by Reynolds.

3^rd Feath try- Gale scored

After 17 minutes, Minikin did some good play and Gale scored, successful conversion by Reynolds.

4^th Rovers try- Minikin raced away

Six minutes later, it was a 4^th for Rovers as Reynolds broke and had Minikin in support to score, successful conversion by Reynolds.

5^th Rovers try- Reynolds scored

Just after the half hour, another Rovers try as Aekins broke and Reynolds scored under the sticks, successful conversion by Reynolds.

6^th Feath try- Lacans dancing feet

After 37 minutes, Lacans showed us some dancing feet to score a 6^th for Rovers, successful conversion by  Reynolds.

7^th Rovers try- Lacans 2^nd

Just before halftime, a2nd try in as many minutes for Lacans, successful conversion by Reynolds.

Halftime score: Thatto Heath 0-42 Featherstone Rovers

A very comfortable first 40 minutes for Rovers as they were breaking through too easily against this amateur team, could Rovers continue and make it a massive score?

8^th Rovers try- Wacokecoke’s 2^nd

After 54 minutes, a 2^nd try for Wacokecoke , unsuccessful conversion by Bowes.

9^th Feath try- Aekins scored

11 minutes later, Tomlinson played a lovely pass to Aekins who scored, successful conversion by Hardcastle.

10^th Rovers try- Addy close range

After 68 minutes, Addy scored from close range, unsuccessful conversion by Hardcastle.

11^th Feath try- Gale’s 2^nd 

Five minutes later, Gale scored his 2^nd of the game, unsuccessful conversion by Minikin as he hit the post.

12^th Rovers try- Lacan’s hat trick

With two minutes left, Lacans scored his hat trick try, successful conversion by Addy

13^th Feath try- Jones scored

In the same minute, the last try for Rovers as Jones scored after some slick passing, successful conversion by Addy

 Fulltime score: Thatto Heath 0-72 Featherstone Rovers

A equally convincing 2^nd half for Rovers as they added 30 more points in the 2^nd half to complete a routine win and a place in the 4^th round of the Challenge Cup where they will travel to Keighley.

Next for Rovers is the 4^th round of the Challenge Cup against Keighley, as they have a week off next week wondering if they will progress to the quarter finals of the 1895 Cup

Featherstone Rovers v Widnes Vikings Betfred Championship Round 27 Saturday 23rd September 2023 (by dedicated flatcapper Daniel Crossfield)

The final game of the regular season for Featherstone  Rovers who would lift the League Leaders shield at the end of the game, Widnes still had an outside chance of making the playoffs, and it was James Lockwood’s final league game for Rovers before retiring, so could Rovers finish the league season with a 25^th win or would Widnes inflict just a 3^rd defeat of the season?

It was played at the Millennium Stadium

1^st Rovers try- Lacans scored

After only three minutes, Rovers scored first through Lacans, after a Leilua break , successful conversion by Kheirallah.

2^nd Feath try- Hall in corner

Midway through the first half, Hall scored in the corner, superb conversion by Kheirallah.

1^st Widnes try- Dixon scored

After 24 minutes, Ince raced down right and offloaded to Lyons who scored in corner, successful conversion by Dixon.

3^rd Rovers try- Moors barged over

Just after the half hour, Rovers scored a 3^rd try as Moors got a short ball by Wildie and barged over, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

2^nd Widnes try- Ince corner

Four minutes later, Widnes had their 2^nd try as good play by Wilde, Lawton and Fleming all offloaded and Ince dived over to score in corner, unsuccessful conversion by Dixon.

4^th Rovers try- Gale

Just before halftime, a loose ball went to ground and Gale scored, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 24-10 Widnes Vikings

A topsy turvy first half which Rovers edged 4 tries to 2, could they continue 2^nd half? At halftime, the womens team lifted their League leaders Shield as they got promoted to Womens Super League group 1.

5^th Rovers try- Aekins

After 48 minutes, Aekins stepped through the line and scored for Rovers, successful conversion by Kheirallah.  

6^th Rovers try- Hankinson

After 50 minutes, Hankinson caught a high kick and scored beneath the sticks, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

7^th Feath try- Leilua scored

Just after the hour, three consecutive sets on Widnes line ended with Leilua scoring in the corner, a fantastic conversion by Kheirallah.

8^th Rovers try- Gale’s 2^nd 

Two minutes later, Gale broke the line and scored in the corner, unsuccessful conversion from touch by Kheirallah.

9^th Rovers try- Leilua’s 2^nd 

After 70 minutes, Rovers shifted ball right and Leilua stepped inside to score, unsuccessful conversion by Kheirallah.

10^th Feath try- Jones

After 74 minutes, Jones scooted from dummy half and dived over from close range, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

11^th Rovers try- Aekins 2^nd 

Still time for one more Rovers try as a break started by Cozza  before Jones tore through middle to offload to Aekins to score, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

Fulltime score: Featherstone Rovers 62-10 Widnes Vikings

A domination job 2^nd half for Rovers as they scored 38 unanswered point sin the 2^nd half, and they finish the league season with 25 wins out of 27. They lifted the League Leaders shield at the end of the game.

They head into the playoffs now but have a week off in the 1^st week and don’t know yet who they’ll play in the semi final.

Toulouse Olympique v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Championship Round 26 Saturday 16th September 2023 (by dedicated flatcapper Daniel Crossfield)

The penultimate game of the regular season and their last away game of the season for Rovers, as they travelled to France to take on a Toulouse side who have lost 7 games this year, so could Toulouse do the double over Rovers, or could Rovers get a win to show they can beat Toulouse before the playoffs?

1^st Rovers try- Lacans scored

After three minutes, perfect start for Rovers as Lacans scored early, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

1^st Toulouse try- Armitage scored

After 22 minutes, Shorrocks crossfield kick on last, ball was fumbled in air which allowed Armitage to collect and score, unsuccessful conversion by Shorrocks wide.

2^nd Feath try- Kheirallah scored

Just before the half hour, Rovers extended their lead as Kheirallah collected from base of play and ran in under sticks, he converted his own try.

2^nd Toulouse try- Brachan squeezed through

After 34 minutes, Brachan found a gap and squeezed through to score, successful conversion by Shorrocks.

3^rd Toulouse try- Akauola powered through

Just before halftime, Toulouse went in fron for first time as Akaoula powered through, successful conversion by Shorrocks.

Halftime score: Toulouse Olympique 16-12 Featherstone Rovers

A decent first half by overs but were behind at the break but not by many, could they respond?

3^rd Rovers try- Leilua scored

After 49 minutes, Rovers edged back in front as Leilua offloaded and Kheirallah hit post, before ball fell behind the bar for Leilua to score, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

4^th Feath try- Hall in corner

On the hour, Hall scored in corner, Kheirallah’s conversion attempt wide.

Drop goal for Feath-  Lacans

With seven minutes left, Rovers went for a drop goal and Lacans converted it.

5^th Rovers try- Jones scored

With four minutes left, Jones sealed the win for Rovers with a good try, successful conversion by Kheirallah

Fulltime score: Toulouse Olympique 16-29 Featherstone Rovers

A superb 2^nd half by Rovers as they won it 17-0 to be the only away team to win in Toulouse this year.

They are 12 points clear with 1 game left, so can they seal the deal this year?

Next for Rovers is their last home game before the playoffs as they welcome Widnes Vikings to Post Office Road on Saturday 23^rd September 2023 with a 6pm kickoff, and they get to lift the League Leaders Shield at fulltime.

Featherstone Rovers v Swinton Lions Betfred Championship Round 18 Sunday 9th July 2023 (by dedicated flatcapper Daniel Crossfield)

It was the first home game for 3 weeks for Rovers against a Swinton side who had won three of their last five coming into this one, so could Rovers keep their lead at the top or would Swinton continue their decent run?

It was played at the Millennium Stadium

After seven minutes, a decent start by Rovers but unlucky as held up over line.

Five minutes later, Rovers thought they’d scored after a good kick to corner, but ref ruled it out.

1^st Rovers try- Hau scored

After 23 minutes, Rovers broke through and Hau caught a pass and scored in front of sticks, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

Just before the half hour, Swinton had a full set near Rovers line but couldn’t score.

2^nd Rovers try- Kheirallah scored

On the half hour, a beautiful Rovers try as Astley broke and then kicked for Kheirallah who scored under sticks, successful converison by Kheirallah.

After 36 minutes, Briscoe sinbinned for tackling player in the air.

2 minutes later, Yei also saw yellow.

Rovers penalty

Just before half-time,  Rovers chose to take the 2 on halfway, but Hall unlucky as he kicked inches wide.

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 12-0 Swinton Lions

Scrappy first half, but Rovers were ahead with two good tries, would Rovers’ class show 2^nd half?

 3^rd Rovers try- Hau’s 2^nd try

A minute into 2^nd half, Swinton dropped a kick and Hau scored under sticks, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

4^th Feath try- Briscoe scored in corner

Four minutes late,r Briscoe scored in corner, unsuccessful conversion by Kheirallah.

5^th Rovers try- Hall scored

A couple of minutes later, Hall used his speed to get over to left of sticks, Kheirallah converted

6^th Feath try- Hall’s 2^nd

Just before the hour, another lovely Rovers try as Hall carved through the defence like butter to score, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

7^th Rovers try- Jones powered through

After 65 minutes, Jones powered over from close range, successful conversion by Kheirallah

8^th Rovers try- Springer barged over

After 72 minutes, Springer added his name to the scoresheet by barging over, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

9^th Feath try- Lacans scored

With five minutes left, Lacans scored to left of sticks, successful conversion by Kheirallah

1^st Swinton try- Hatton scored

A late consolation for Swinton as Hatton scored to the left of the sticks, successful conversion by Gibson

Fulltime score: Featherstone Rovers 52-6 Swinton Lions

Rovers had too much class in the 2^nd half as they blew Swinton away, and its another win for Rovers and they’ve still got Dane Chisholm to come into the fold at some point as they resigned him from Keighley.

Rovers remain top on 34 points, 8 points clear of 2^nd place.

Next for Rovers is their last trip to Cumbria this season, as they face Barrow Raiders on Sunday 16^th July 2023 with a 3pm kickoff

Whitehaven v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Championship Round 17 Sunday 2nd July 2023 (by dedicated flatcapper Daniel Crossfield)

A trip to Cumbria for the penultimate time this season for Rovers as they took on Whitehaven who had played last Sunday and Wednesday already this week, so would this take a toll on them and would Rovers capitalise?

It was delayed kickoff due to problems on the M6 motorway, would it affect Whitehaven or Rovers more?

It was played at the LEL Arena

After two minutes, a blind offload from Hau found a Whitehaven hand.

Three minutes later, Whitehaven threatened but long ball over top went into touch.

1^st Rovers try- Jones scored

After eight minutes, Taylor broke superbly and Jones ran under sticks to score, successful conversion by Kheirallah

2^nd Rovers try-Springer crashed over

Five minutes later, Springer crashed over to score, successful conversion by Kheirallah

3^rd Feath try- Cozza scored

After 19 minutes, Springer put Cozza through for Rovers 3^rd of the afternoon, successful conversion by Kheirallah

4th Rovers try- Aekins powered over

Seven minutes later, Aekins powered over for a 4^th Rovers try, unsuccessful conversion by Kheirallah.

5^th Rovers try- Hau scored

Two minutes before halftime, Hau had been dangerous all half and he scored, successful conversion by Kheirallah

Halftime score: Whitehaven 0-28 Featherstone Rovers

The delay didn’t affect Rovers as they scored 5 unanswered tries to take full control, could they continue 2nd half?

6^th Feath try- Cozza’s 2^nd try

After 45 minutes, Davies played short ball and Cozza collected it and scored his 2^nd of afternoon, successful conversion by Kheirallah

7^th Fev try- Kheirallah scored

Five minutes later, Kheirallah caught his own grubberkick to score, successful conversion by Kheirallah

8^th Rovers try- Briscoe in the corner

On the hour, another try for Rovers as ball moved left to right and Briscoe juggled the ball but managed to keep hold of it and scored in the corner, unsuccessful conversion by Kheirallah just wide of the post.

9^th Fev try- Leilua scored

 Five minutes later, Astley kicked to corner, Briscoe knocked it back into play and Leilua was there to score in same place as previous try, unsuccessful conversion by Kheirallah.

10^th Rovers try- Kheirallah’s 2^nd

After 69 minutes, Kheirallah scored his 2^nd of the game as Rovers got past the fifty mark, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

11^th Fev try- Aekins 2^nd try

Three minutes later, another player who scored his 2^nd try of the game as Aekins sidestepped his man and scored, successful conversion by Kheirallah.

Fulltime score: Whitehaven 0-60 Featherstone Rovers

A ruthless display by Rovers despite the disruption , but Whitehaven did it tough with 3 games in a week but couldn’t lay a glove on Rovers who extend their lead at the top to 8 points.

Next for Rovers is a home game as they welcome Swinton Lions to the Millennium Stadium on Sunday 9^th July 2023 with a 3pm kickoff.

Featherstone Rovers v Sheffield Eagles Betfred Championship Round 10 Sunday 7th May 2023 (by Dan Crossfield a dedicated flatcapper)

This was Featherstone’s first game for 3 weeks and they came up against a team in good form themselves and who were 3^rd in the table prior to kickoff, so on a sunny Sunday afternoon could Rovers go 6 points clear at the top, or would Sheffield close the gap?

It was played at Millennium Stadium

1^st Rovers try- Hardcastle dived over

After five minutes and  relentless early pressure to start the game, Rovers scored first as Lacans deft kick allowed Hardcastle to dive over line, unsuccessful conversion by Dean as hit post.

Five minutes later, Sheffield did good kick into in goal, but Rovers saw it out.

2^nd Rovers try- Briscoe intercepted

After 18 minutes, after 4 penalties on the bounce Sheffield passed out wide but Briscoe intercepted and ran full length of pitch to score a brilliant try, successful conversion by Dean.

1^st Sheffield try – Lui scored

 With 15 minutes of first half left, 1^st try for Sheffield from a penalty and on zero tackle they got it wide, Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e passed to Liu and he scored , successful conversion by Aston.

2^nd Sheffield try- Dawson in corner

With five minutes of first half remaining, Sheffield got ball forward and passed wide as Aston passed to Sene-Lefao who passed to Dawson who scored in the corner, unsuccessful conversion by Aston.

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 10-10 Sheffield Eagles

Rovers started well but allowed Sheffield back in it, all to play for 2^nd half.

After 44 minutes, scruffy start to 2^nd half as Thackeray’s pass knocked down by Briscoe then Aston knocked on first tackle.

A minute later, Jones-Bishop dealt with a Lacans kick nicely.

After 48 minutes, 6 moire for Rovers as Aekins tackled twice, then Bussey got hit with a big tackle.

3^rd Sheffield try – Jones scored

After 55 minutes, Sheffield scored their 3^rd try to go ahead, as Jones found space in corner and scored, successful conversion by Aston.

Just before the hour, Rovers chance 40m out as Sheffield knocked on but then Sheffield offside from the scrum.

3^rd Rovers try- Bussey powered over

Just after the hour, good try by Rovers as Bussey powered over near the line, successful conversion by Dean under the sticks and Vila sinbinned.

Then Sene-Lefao appeared to take Dean out when he kicked it, ref didn’t give anything immediatelt, then Aston flop tackle when Rovers were attacking, bralw started and Aston sinbinned for Sheffield, Dean sinbinned for Rovers and Sene-Lefao also sinbinned so Sheffield were down to 10, could Rovers take advantage.

4^th Rovers try- Briscoe in corner

After 68 minutes, Briscoe scored in the corner to edge Rovers in front, successful conversion by Bussey.

4^th Sheffield try- Jones-Bishop

After 74 minutes, somehow with 10 men, Sheffield managed to score in the corner through Jones-Bishop, unsuccessful conversion by Aston.

5^th Feath try- Aekins scored

With seconds left Rovers sealed the win with a try by Aekins as he sidestepped and scored to left of sticks, successful conversion by Dean.

Fulltime score: Featherstone Rovers 28-20 Sheffield Eagles

It was a thriller and Sheffield were the better team 2^nd half but Rovers managed to win it and they went 6 points clear at the top.

Next for Rovers is a trip to Widnes to face Widnes Vikings on Sunday 14^th May 2023 with a 3pm kickoff.

Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Championship Round 8 Friday 7th April 2023 (by dedicated flatcapper Daniel Crossfield)

Round 8 of the Championship season saw another West Yorkshire derby as the Batley Bulldog stook on the Featherstone Rovers on Good Friday.  Rovers were looking to remain unbeaten but Batley were a thorn in their side last season, so could Batley be the first team to beat Rovers in the league this season or would Rovers make it8 from 8?

It was played at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium

Batley penalty- Meadows converted

After three minutes, Batley won a penalty and chose to take the two and Meadows converted .

1^st Rovers try- Hardcastle pounced

 Two minutes later with their 1^st attack of the afternoon Rovers scored as Hardcastle pounced on a deft grubber by Dean, successful conversion by Hall.

2^nd Feath try- Hardcastle’s 2^nd 

On the quarter hour, Hardcastle powered through Batley defence to score his 2^nd try of the day, unsuccessful conversion by Hall.

3^rd Rovers try- Briscoe scampered over

Four minutes later, Batley spilled the ball20m out which allowed Briscoe to collect and scamper through to score, unsuccessful conversion by Hall but Rovers were taking control.

4^th Rovers try- Leilua

After 23 minutes, Dean made this try and Leilua scored the 4^th Rovers try of the afternoon, successful conversion by Hall.

Halftime score: Batley Bulldogs 2-20 Featherstone Rovers

Two tries for Hardcastle and one each for Briscoe and Leilua put Rovers in control at halftime, could they continue 2^nd half?

1^st Batley try- Hodson scored

After 45 minutes, Batley had their 1sttryof the afternoon as Hodson scored, successful conversion by Meadows.

5^th Feath try- Jones sprinted

Three minutes later, Jones pounced on a loose ball and sprinted85m up the hill to score,successful conversion by Hall.

2^nd Batley try- Gledhill determination

Just before the hour, Gledhill drove forward in a  3 man tackle and scored over the line, successful conversion by Meadows.

Batley sin-bin- Manning

With seven minutes left, Manning was sinbinned for a crusher tackle

Rovers sin-bin –  Day

With two minutes left, Day sinbinned for Rovers .

3^rd Batley try- McGowan

In same minute, Batley stretched the play and McGowan scored in the corner, unsuccessful conversion by Meadows.

Fulltime score: Batley Bulldogs 18-26 Featherstone Rovers

It was a mad 2^nd half but Rovers came up with the win to make it 8 wins out o f 8 and went 4 points clear of Sheffield and Toulouse.

Next for Rovers is a trip to the capital to face London Broncos on Sunday 16^th April with a 3pm kickoff.

Featherstone Rovers v York City Knights Betfred Championship Round 7 Sunday 26th March 2023 (by Dan Crossfield a dedicated flatcapper)

This was a chance for Featherstone to keep their unbeaten start and remain the only unbeaten side in the Championship and go 4 points clear of Toulouse, but they’ve yet to put in a full performance so would they or would York be the first team to beat them in the league?

It was played at Millennium Stadium

After 10 minutes, York chance but Leilua tried to get fingertips to it, but ball went down and York got ball back and won a penalty, but Aekins’ good tackle forced York to lose the ball.

1^st Rovers try- Cozza dummy

Four minutes later, Dean did well and then Cozza threw a dummy near the line, found pace and scored, successful conversion by Hall.

Then, Rovers broke and Evans offloaded to Leilua but had men all over him and lost ball.

Two minutes later, Leilua and Evans linked up again, but Leilua knocked on.

2^nd Feath try- Taylor scored

After 22 minutes, Cozza spun again and then Rovers won a penalty, and Taylor spun and scored near the line for his first competitive try for Rovers, successful conversion by Hall.

Just after the half hour, another half chance for Rovers but lost ball.

Rovers penalty- Hall kicked

Jusz before halftime, Rovers won a penalty and chose to take the 2, successfully conversion by Hall.

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 14-0 York Knights

The defensive effort was good from Rovers and York didn’t have many chances, and Rovers scored 2 nice tries, could Rovers continue in the 2^nd half?

A few minutes into 2^nd half, good play by Rovers but York saw it out.

3^rd Rovers try- Evans scored

After 44 minutes, Taylor passed to Leilua who had too much strength and power and Evans benefitted from his offload to score down right, unsuccessful conversion from touch from Hall.

4^th Feath try- Jones finished it off

Two minutes later, another super Rovers try as Davies bursted and carved through the defence, passed to Jones who scored, successful conversion by Hall.

5^th Rovers try- Gale scored a easy try

After 50 minutes, Featherstone pounced as York made a error and Gale was there to pounce on it to score a easy try, successful conversion by Hall.

6^th Feath try- Gale’s 2^nd

Two minutes later, a 4^th try in the space of 8 minutes for Rovers and this was all about Gale who cut out the pass and went down wing to score himself, unsuccessful conversion by Hall.

Then a minute or so later, Aekins broke and Dean only had fullback to beat but he stopped him and Rovers couldn’t take advantage.

1^st York try- Glover scored

Just before the hour mark, a consolation try for York as Marsh broke, Harris kicked it on and Glover was able to score, unsuccessful conversion by Glover.

After 65 minutes, Dean kicked but Towse caught it well for York.

7^th Rovers try-Gale hat trick

With ten minutes left, Gale scored his hat trick for Rovers as he acrobatically finished off a nice move, successful conversion by Hall.

8^th Feath try- Leilua scored

After 75 minutes, Aekins set this try up for Leilua who found the gap to score, successful conversion from touch by  Hall.

Fulltime score:  Featherstone Rovers 46-4 York Knights

It was the best performance of the season by Rovers so far, York couldn’t handle them 2^nd half and some nice tries as well.

It  leaves Featherstone the only unbeaten team in the Championship with 7 wins out of 7 and onto 14 points, which is 4 points clear of Toulouse.

Next for Rovers is their 5^th West Yorkshire derby of the season away to Batley in 2 weeks as Rovers not in action next week due to their early cup exit, so that is on Good Friday 7^th April with a 7:30pm 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.