11 March 1922

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS FAIL IN HARD STRUGGLE AT BROUGHTON

The 8.000 people who assembled at the Cliff were treated to typical cup-tie game, in which the Featherstone Rovers, though beaten, were far from being disgraced. They were handicapped by the absence of at least two good men, and this doubtless affected their combination. Both sets of forwards appeared to equally matched, and the respective rear divisions were given every opportunity of exhibiting any wealth of brilliance they might possess. The Rovers' efforts to keep the ball tight were not always successful. The home halves proved diligent workers, especially Hurst, who broke through on every conceivable occasion when once in possession. He, in fact, was instrumental in enabling Bentham to open the scoring with a sort of surprise try. This speedy player also scored second just before the interval, the place kicks, in each instance, failing.

Featherstone were six points in arrears at the interval, and when Richardson registered the Rangers' third try after fourteen minutes in second half, and Young supplemented with the goal, the Yorkshire representatives' chance getting on terms of equality seemed well-nigh extinguished. It was to their credit that the visitors never lost hope, and they received their reward when Kirkham dodged over behind the posts for Jim Denton to kick goal. There was still a quarter of an hour go, and for the remainder of the game the Broughton defence had a rather lively time. The outstanding player in the Featherstone three-quarter line was Hirst, who speedy and resourceful, played a most important part in many of the passing movements.

Yorkshire Post 13 March 1922