10 February 1923

RIVAL ROVERS’ BIG FIGHT

A Hull Hold-out at Featherstone.

Under wretched ground conditions, the Rovers of Hull and Featherstone fought keenly and doggedly for the verdict on the colliers’ ground. At the end of eighty minutes’ interesting play honours were even, but even the most biased visitor would admit that Featherstone were unlucky.

The Kingston Rovers deserve every credit for their sterling defence throughout almost the whole of the second half, when by resolute, determined effort the Featherstone men kept pegging away at the Hull line. For as much as five minutes at a spell scrimmages were fought out within a few yards of the Hull line, but Osborne, Rees, and the others exhibited coolness, pluck, and tenacity, and attack after attack was frustrated.

Hull Kingston got all their points before Featherstone got started, a sad mistake Mason, who otherwise played a great game, letting Bielby in for a soft try. Then Osborne, with a capitally judged kick, gave Hull Kingston a penalty goal.  Wynard kicked penalty for Featherstone before the interval. On their grand work in the second half Featherstone deserved to win. They had, however, to be content with a draw, a characteristic dive Kirkham from few yards out putting the sides level. Right up to the finish, with one dash for the Featherstone line by Van Rooyen, who played a magnificent game, thrown in, Featherstone Rovers kept their attack, but could not get through again.

Leeds Mercury 12 February 1923