03 March 1923

ROVERS’ GREAT RECOVERY

Wigan Get a Shock at Featherstone.

Wigan got the fright of their lives at Featherstone where a side composed almost wholly of local “lads" fought like heroes.  The Rovers lost by the odd point in twenty-seven, after being eleven points down in the first half-hour—a grand recovery, followed by more cruel luck. Featherstone were under a great disadvantage in that Sidney Denton, their smart full-back could not play, and his absence undoubtedly cost the Rovers the game, for Wigan’s second try was not scored in the ordinary sense of the word —it was given them by Seymour. Denton’s substitute.  The ball was kicked over the line, and Seymour was first to reach it, and all he had to do was drop on   it. Instead, he tried to kick it to the rails, and Webster, who was following up dropped on it for a try, which Sullivan converted. Previously, Coldrick had scored from what was undoubtedly a forward pass; but as a Featherstone try was got in the same way later, the teams were level on that score.

At thirty minutes’ end Walford obtained a good try and this gave Wigan an eleven-points lead. They had not deserved so large a margin on the play, but were certainly the smarter side thus far.  Then came the Rovers' magnificent play. Mason got their first try after a nice passing movement in which Hirst had a hand, and Hirst roused the crowd to the highest enthusiasm by a brilliant individual effort. It was easily the best try of the afternoon.  Wynard added goal points and Wigan’s lead was reduced to three points.  The second half was almost wholly Featherstone, and the way in which Clements and the other Featherstone forwards gained complete mastery of the Wigan six was a feat not soon to be forgotten. The Lancashire six were all but demoralised.

DENTON’S MISTAKE

What Featherstone needed to romp home was a good stand-off half.  As it was they took the lead, a lovely passing round between Kirkham, Hirst and Mason resulting a grand try.  Mason converted and Featherstone were two points up.  A mistake by Jim Denton let Wigan take up the attack and subsequently Ring scored Wigan’s finest try.  Sullivan who otherwise played a magnificent game, failed at goal for the third time but Wigan were a point ahead.  Featherstone got over the line twice after this but there was no score.  Once the referee gave Kirkham the try but the touch-judge’s flag was up and the decision was altered.  Then Williams got over but lost the ball.

Featherstone played magnificently in the last eight minutes, and the minor satisfaction of knowing that the best team lost.  The receipts were £602, which, however, is not a record.  

Leeds Mercury 5 March 1923