21 March 2021

Featherstone Rovers secured their place in the second round of the Betfred Challenge Cup in a convincing 41-16 victory at the Millennium Stadium. James Harrison scored a try in each half to help his side secure their place in the next round of the coveted cup. Bradford came out of the blocks with a purpose and took the lead with the opening try through Reece Hamlett, diving in at the corner to score. Connor Jones replied for the hosts by scooting with the ball from acting half and barging his way over under the posts. Craig Hall converted to equal proceedings. Featherstone got their noses in front for the first time in the match, making yards into the Bulls’ half before Minns crashed over on the left side to score. Ben Blackmore then got over in the corner before Hall broke away and put Harrison in for a try to give the Rovers a comfortable lead heading into the interval.

The Bulls started the second half in similar style to the first with Reece Hamlett diving over the line on the wing. Tempers began to flare with both sides injecting some aggression throughout the middle of the field in tackles. Bradford took advantage and crashed over in centre field through Dan Fleming to close the gap to within eight points. Rovers replied straight away through Harrison who swatted off several defenders and crossed the whitewash to cancel out the Bulls earlier efforts and swing momentum back their way. And momentum was certainly in favour of Featherstone as Dale Ferguson offloaded in the tackle to Dean Parata who evaded the fullback and went over under the sticks. Hall broke away and ran 70 meters to score in spectacular fashion before adding a drop goal to his tally to book Rovers their place in the next round of the Challenge Cup against the Batley Bulldogs.