08 June 2014

A commanding half-back display from Andy Kain hauled Featherstone Rovers back from an early 10 point deficit to inflict an avenging defeat on a Dewsbury Rams that struggled to come to terms with the early loss of hooker and captain Wayne Godwin through a broken arm. Rams struggled early on, but wayward passing let Rovers down as the ball often went loose behind the intended recipient. Jamie Thackeray raced 80 metres toward the corner flag, only to be hauled down a yard short by Blackmore. The disorganised Rovers defence were penalised on the next play and Dale Morton to dive over in the corner. Minutes later, Thackeray intercepted Briggs’ pass and sprinted the full length of the field for a converted try. Rovers started to re-assert themselves mid-way through the half, although only briefly. After a fine off-load from Bridge, Jamie Lockwood found Kain in enough space for him to duck under the tacklers and dart over. This was cancelled out by Hale’s try but Rovers were finally starting to click, Blackmore scored, and when Bussey converted from the touchline, and then kicked a penalty on the hooter, it was definitely game on with the scoreline finely balanced at 14-16.

Rovers stormed out of the blocks for the second period, and a 60 metre interception from Bussey brought them in range for the impressive Pressure told when Kain repeated his earlier effort, and Blackmore put the seal on a fine debut with a 90 metre try after Kieran Hyde couldn’t hold Thackeray’s wayward pass. Soon after Jamie Cording broke 60 metres down the left and Kain strolled over on the next play to register his hat-trick. Makali Aizue stormed over for Dewsbury, before Ian Hardman touched down with minutes remaining. Tommy Gallagher’s hopeful kick over the top was obstructed on the very last play of the game, leaving Hemingway to salvage a Rams’ bonus point after the hooter had sounded.