15 September 1923

FEATHERSTONE FAIL

Dewsbury’s Backs in Splendid Form

The game between Dewsbury and Featherstone was full of good football, though there were remarkable number of minor accidents. Quite a number of players on each side were temporarily laid aside, and Tait, Rovers’ wing three-quarter, suffered an injury early on which rendered him useless for the rest of the game.

Dewsbury played strong and clever football throughout, and while their forwards were not quite so pushful in the packs as the Rovers’, they had an advantage in the open. The Dewsbury backs were superior to those of their opponents, who appeared to lack understanding. Their methods were slipshod and without system.

Hirst appeared to be the only player on the Featherstone side who put any ginger into his methods, but more often than not he was entirely unsupported. Cartwright, who played on the right wing, and was making his first appearance in first-class football, was in no way responsible for his side’s defeat. His try was a beauty.  Archie Brown and Midgley played sparkling football for Dewsbury, for whom the brothers Lyman were again in fine form.  Stocks, at full back, was not quite so safe as usual.

Leeds Mercury 17 September 1923