Featherstone Rovers v Hull FC Rugby League Match report by Daniel Crossfield (a dedicated flatcapper watching from home)

Featherstone Rovers v Hull FC  Betfred Challenge Cup Round 3 (Saturday 10^th April 2021)

This was the 6^th home game of the season already for Featherstone Rovers as they’ve had 2 friendlies, 2 cup games and a league game all at home. 

This was the Betfred Challenge Cup 3^rd round clash between Championship Featherstone Rovers and Super League Hull FC.

As for all sporting fixtures at the weekend, there was 2 minutes of silence before kickoff to remember the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Phillip who sadly died on Friday aged 99.

Could Rovers upset the odds or would Super League quality show?

Keep reading to find out.

It was played at The Millennium Stadium in Featherstone  

1^st Featherstone try

After a minute, it was the perfect start for Featherstone as Rovers did a short kickoff to start, they got the ball back and eventually from the last tackle Chisholm did a lovely kick and Hardcastle just about got the ball down, unsuccessful conversion by Hall, now could Rovers not get too excited and concentrate for 10 minutes or so?

1^st Hull try

The answer to the question was No as four minutes later, Hull scored their first try as on the last tackle, Houghton did a lovely kick and Faraimo got the ball and put it down, successful conversion by Connor.

2^nd Hull try

Two minutes later, back to back tries for Hull FC as an unforced error by Hall as he dropped the ball and Tuimavave picked it up and scored, unsuccessful conversion by Connor.

3^rd Hull try

After 18 minutes, it was a 3^rd Hull try as Rovers were unlucky as McNamara’s kick ricocheted back to Griffin who went over, successful conversion by Connor, was this cup tie getting away from Featherstone already?

4^th Hull try

8 minutes later, Hull scored again as Griffin went over for his 2^nd try, successful conversion by Connor as Hull went into a 22-4 lead.

5^th try for Hull

On the half hour, a 5^th Hull try as Connor offloaded to Tuimavave who scored in the corner, another successful conversion by Connor.

6^th Hull try

Just before halftime, yet another Hull FC try as Johnstone got over after some good buildup play by Hall, successful conversion by Connor.

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 4-34 Hull FC

So a half that started brilliantly for Feath, turned into a Hull FC dominated half, what could Rovers do 2^nd half to make it a bit respectable?

After 43 minutes, there were a couple of line breaks by Jones and then Parata , a Rovers man kicked it and Hardcastle couldn’t quite get it down this time.

2^nd Rovers try

A couple of minutes later, Rovers scored their 2^nd try and it was a brilliant one which ended with Brown doing a lovely kick, and Ferres walking in for a try, somehow from close range Hall hit the post with his attempted conversion.

After 55 minutes, after 3 penalties in a row , it was a positive start to the 2^nd half by Rovers and Harrison thought he’d got over but he lost the ball over the line.

8 minutes later, a break by Holmes and eventually worked to Ferres who passed wide , the Rovers man was in but it was forward pass.

3^rd Rovers try

The last try came after 68 minutes as Rovers were making it respectable as Chisholm did a great kick towards the corner and Blackmore caught it and danced his way over, successful conversion by Chisholm.

Fulltime score:  Featherstone Rovers 14-34 Hull FC

So a much better 2^nd half by Featherstone as they played more aggressive and made the score look respectable, and managed to nil Hull FC in the 2^nd half.  Good coverage again on OurLeague.

But it means the Featherstone Challenge Cup dream over for another year, but they do have another more realistic chance of getting to Wembley in the 1895 Cup and the semis of that are in May.

Next Up for Featherstone Rovers is a trip to Swinton Lions RLFC in their first away match in 414 days, as they return to Betfred Championship action as we visit Swinton Lions at Heywood Road.  Stream the game with an Our League Game Pass