18 June 2023

Featherstone Rovers secrued a resounding win over a depleted London Broncos side, scoring nine tries in a dominant display, with London’s only points coming in injury time just before the hooter.

The game marked the re-apperance of Mark Kheirallah after almost a year’s absence, and Caleb Aekins in a new role at stand-off. Both players gave outstanding displays. Kheirallah scored a try and kicked seven goals from eight attempts. Aekins opened the scoring with a show and go, and grabbed another try before half-time.

After Aekins’ opener, Matty Wildie backed up to score his 50^th career try, before Joey Leilua sliced through off Thomas Lacans’ pass to score on his comeback from injury. Then Lacans himself got on the end of another flowing team move after McKenzie Yei knocked back Aekins’ high kick. After Aekins’ second try, Rovers led 30-0 at the break.

Rovers took longer to get going after the break, and it was only after Kheirallah had been sinbinned for throwing the ball away that the lead was extended. Connor Jones cleaned up Lacans’ towering kick to score. Brad Day crossed after a neat exchange between Jones and Jack Bussey, before John Davies burst through inside his own half, fed Lacans who fed Kheirallah to race away for a popular try. Gareth Gale finished in the corner to leave Rovers 50-0 up before a late consolation from London.