30 December 1922

BEATEN BY SPEED

How Featherstone Fared at Leeds

It was hardly to be expected that Leeds would have such an easy journey against Featherstone after their strenuous holiday programme, but right throughout they played a spirited and enterprising game, which brought its own reward.  They had to fight hard, for their points in the first half, during this period the Featherstone forwards were seen to advantage, and were quite adept at getting possession in the pack. Their half-backs Kirkham and Williams made good of these opportunities, but the speed and excellent tackling of the Leeds men often caused a breakdown on the three-quarter line. In addition to this many excellent movement was allowed to fritter away on the wings by knock-on or failure to accept the pass. On the other hand the Leeds backs were in good form, but what nonplussed the Featherstone men the most was the great speed and dash of whole of the back division.

Buck was in his best humour, and besides getting a try himself, he helped his comrades to many others. As Binks was suffering from an injury to his shoulder Brittain partnered Bowen at half-back, and they worked exceedingly well together, and both Bacon and Davies played an ideal centre game. Lyons showed great promise on the wing, filing Stockwell’s place most satisfactorily.  Featherstone worked hard right to the finish, but they were beaten in speed and skillfullness as Leeds played an interesting and artful game.

All the scoring was done by the backs both sides. For Leeds: Bowen, Davies, and Bacon secured two tries each, and Buck and Lyons one, while kicked Walmsley kicked five goals from seven of tries. Buck failing at the others.  The scorers for Featherstone were Hirst and J. Denton, the latter adding the extra points from his own try.

Athletic News 1 January 1923