10 March 1923

FEATHERSTONE WONDER MEN

Leeds Trounced by Three Forwards

Featherstone just now are a remarkable team. They set about Leeds and beat them decisively by ten points. Jack Hirst gave the Leeds backs a great surprise in the first two minutes by turning defence into attack and scoring a magnificent try from the quarter line, to which Denton added the goal points.

Leeds only score in this half was Walmsley's penalty goal. Then Mason, the Rovers' winger was carried off with a fractured leg with the game ten minutes old, and Wynard had to be withdrawn from the pack.  Although six to five the Leeds forwards were thoroughly well beaten in the pack, but held their own in the loose play. When pressed the backs tried passing behind then own line. The ball was dropped, and Hirst fell on it for a simple try, to which Denton added the goal points.

Featherstone began the second half determinedly their five forwards working magnificently. Brittain made two fine openings for Hook, but the latter was weak. Then Haigh was sent off and Featherstone had only four forwards. Still they held their own in the pack. A little later Kirkham was sent to join Haigh. Thus, the Rovers were left with only Higson, Barraclough, and Hepworth in the pack, but they played like men possessed, and actually gave their half-backs their full share of the ball from the scrums.

INDIVIDUAL BRILLIANCE

Buck scored his try before Featherstone had recovered from Kirkham’s dismissal. Then followed a great rally by the Featherstone ten, and resulted in a magnificent individual try by James Denton from near half-way. He added a penalty goal later, and that was how “ten to thirteen won by ten points.”  Jim Denton played the game his life; great alike in attack and defence. Hirst was once more the star artist, and Gill, a reserve player, made a brilliant stand-off half. The three forwards deserve special mention for their wonderful work.

There were some very smart movements among the Leeds backs, the passing at times being delightful up to a stage, when it generally broke down, or else the fine Featherstone defence prevailed.  Walmsley played a cool, safe game, and Buck and Brittain were ever seeking to put life into the Leeds display, but with a well beaten pack for most of the game the Leeds third line had not a great chance.

It was a wonderful victory.

Leeds Mercury 12 March 1923