25 August 1923

THE SPOILS DIVIDED

Featherstone’s opening match attracted about 3,000 spectators, and the receipts were £185. Rochdale Hornets had the advantage in weight, particularly in the backs, where Hirst and Sidney Denton were Featherstone absentees. The visitors, however, gave a disappointing first half display, and at the interval Featherstone deservedly led by four points.  With a grand left-leg kick from near touch Wynard began the scoring and James Denton kicked a second penalty from an easy position.

With seven minutes of the second half gone Gowers reduced Featherstone's lead with grand goal from near touch.  Kirkham, who was easily the best half-back on view, put Featherstone in an apparently safe position with a delightful try, to which Denton added goal points. Rochdale, however, were by no means done. A magnificent penalty goal by Gowers from near the half-way line gave the visitors hope, and then W.Jones was allowed to slip through the hands at least four Featherstone defenders for a nice try, the goal kick failing. Following the carrying off of Gill, Edwards was sent off for kicking a Featherstone player. With about five minutes go W. Jones made the score nine points all with a delightful drop kick.

Yorkshire Post 27 August 1923