25 November 1922

BATLEYS FRIGHT

 Featherstone Nearly Effect a Draw at Mount Pleasant

Although Featherstone Rovers did not achieve their ambition of repeating their last season's cup-tie victory at Mount Pleasant they certainly gave Batley a fright. Only two points separated the teams at the close of a keenly-contested game, and if the game had been drawn Batley could not have complained.

The Rovers played a hard, determined game throughout, and if they had possessed more finishing power in the second half they might have won the game. Batley, on the other hand, were obviously suffering from reaction after their cup tie excitement, and their struggle in the second half was a good deal harder than it need have been if they had not wasted so many opportunities in the earlier part of the game, when they had the wind and slope in their favour.

Little blame attached to the forwards in far as they got a fair share of the ball from the scrummages but the Bailey backs were guilty of repeated bungling so that numerous promising movements broke down.  Featherstone were well served in the open by their forwards, prominent amongst whom were Clements and Wynard, the former Batley player, who made a big, though futile, effort to equalise the scores with a long range penalty kick in the closing stages, during which the Batley line was repeatedly threatened.

Kirkham and Williams were a lively pair half-backs, whilst Jim Denton in the centre revealed a fine turn of speed, once overhauling Bryn Williams very smartly. Featherstone, however, relied too much in the second half upon the kick and follow up game, though of course, Batley are entitled to credit for some splendid defensive work.

Leeds Mercury 27 November 1922