25 February 1922

THE SURPRISE AT BATLEY

The surprise of the first round was the defeat of Batley at Mount Pleasant by Featherstone Rovers.  It must be admitted that the “Babes" were fully entitled to their success.  Right from the kick-off their forwards played a magnificent game, controlling the scrummages and tackling with such deadly effect that the supposed superiority of the Batley backs was completely nullified. The absence of Brennan and Carter (through injuries) from the Batley pack made lot of difference, and the hooking of the first named was badly missed. The result, was that the Featherstone halves were more frequently in possession, and with the whole team giving nothing away either in attack or defence they finished deserving winners by 5 points to 3. Gill and Morgan were smart behind the scrummage, and the three-quarters were sound and reliable, but it was to the magnificent play of their forwards, amongst whom Clements, Higson, and Barraclough were always prominent, that they chiefly owed their success. Kilbey was Batley's most outstanding player, but unfortunately, in making a determined effort, to win the match in the last few minutes, he sustained a broken ankle, and had to be removed to the hospital. The receipts amounted to £58O.

Yorkshire Post 27 February 1927