08 August 2021

Featherstone came back from being a point down at half-time to record a win on the road against a spirited Batley Bulldogs side. Having started the game well, playing up hill in the first half, Dane Chisholm broke the deadlock on the tenth minute as he picked out a loose Batley pass to run in a 95 metre score.  Craig Hall added the conversion to steady the nerves and give Rovers a hold on the game.  It seemed that it would be a long afternoon for Batley four minutes later as Nu Brown stole the ball in midfield and ran in from 50 metres out to score Rovers' second of the afternoon. As the wind and rain picked up, Batley came into the game more and more, Adam Gledhill scored in the 24th minute, burrowing his way to the line before Gilmore added the extras.  Batley then drew level as Greg Johnson forced his way through and Gilmore added the conversion,  he then added a drop goal to send Batley into half time in the lead.

The second half though belonged to Featherstone as they kept Batley scoreless.  Ben Blackmore scoring with a flamboyant dive at the line on the right hand side of the pitch.  Moments later, having made a very competent debut at fullback, Alex Walker found his way through to score a try for Rovers, Hall this time making the conversion count. Frankie Halton wrapped up the scoring with a deft little grubber kick through which he chased and grounded himself to put the game beyond doubt.    Not Rovers most convincing display especially when Batley only had 16 fit players due to Covid.