17 February 1923

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS SUCCESSFUL AT WIDNES

Notwithstanding the poor form of Widnes this season. Featherstone Rovers accomplished a good performance by winning at Lowerhouse Lane. It was a very keenly contested game, in which all the scoring was done in the first half.  Although they had to face the wind, Widnes were first to score, Stockley kicking a goal from a penalty. They did not enjoy their lead for long, for a clever round of passing by Tait, Barraclough and Haigh ended in the latter scoring a clever try, for J. Denton to place a goal.

On the run of play the visitors were the better side, and deserved to win. Their backs were much faster, and their handling of the ball was more effective. Hirst played a very fine game and frequently when on the defence not only cleared all danger, but put his side on the attack with a tricky run. S.Denton played good game, his kicking and fielding being very clean. The forwards got possession more often than Widnes, but they were not good in the loose. Widnes were badly let down at full back, Brassington playing a very poor game. The half backs were also weak, and the centres showed no penetrative power. The game was very vigorous at times, and there were a great many infringements. In the last quarter McAllister, the Widnes half back, was ordered off, apparently for striking.

Yorkshire Post 19 February 1923