Featherstone Rovers were 12-30 victors over York City Knights in the first Monday evening game of the 2022 Betfred Championship season, live on Premier Sports. Tries from Morgan Smith, Jack Bussey, Josh Hardcastle, Luke Briscoe and Craig Hall ensured a victory for Brian McDermott in his first competitive game in charge of the Rovers. James Glover and Will Jubb were York’s scorers at the LNER Community Stadium. Featherstone were on top in the early stages as new arrival Jesse Sene-Lefao went close before it was former Knight Smith who did open the scoring for the visitors. Forward Bussey would soon power his way over to extend Featherstone’s lead, but York hit back through Glover to narrow the deficit to six points heading into the break. York came close to levelling the scores early in the second half but a fantastic last-ditch tackle from Rovers halfback Smith meant McDermott’s men maintained their advantage. Ten minutes into the second half, Featherstone found the line again as Brandon Pickersgill and Hardcastle linked up on the right-hand side. Featherstone would find joy down the right-hand side again five minutes later as Briscoe added his name to the scoresheet. Jubb scored from close-range but any hopes of a York comeback were immediately ruled out as Hall scored his seventh try in his last four outings against the Knights. The 2021 Betfred Championship Player of the Season also surpassed 500 career goals in another brilliant display.
