Featherstone Rovers v Halifax Panthers Match report by Daniel Crossfield (a dedicated flatcapper watching at the stadium)

Featherstone Rovers v Halifax Panthers Betfred Championship Round 5 Sunday 6th March 2022

A week after they played each other in the Challenge cup, the Rovers and the Panthers met again in the league with 2 points at stake, so could Rovers continue their unbeaten start or could Halifax be the 1st team to beat them this season?

It was played at the Millennium Stadium

After 2 minutes, McComb held up near the line. 

Three minutes later, Halifax took a risk but play broke down, Jouffret’s attempted offload tried releasing Walmsley but it drifted forward. 

Sinbin for Halifax  

After 10 minutes, Rovers were nearly punished as pass behind was nearly intercepted but back to back Rovers penalties and Barber sinbinned but Rovers attack broke down.  

Just before the quarter hour, Keyes kicked to corner but Briscoe held Walmsley off, Rovers had a huge overlap on left, but couldn’t capitalise. 

Just after the quarter hour, Rovers broke on last tackle but Briscoe lost ball. 

1^st Halifax try- good play by Halifax  

At the midway point of the 1^st half after 22 minutes, it was first blood to Halifax as Jouffret ran and dummied at the line, successful conversion by Keyes. 

Just before the half hour, Tangata and Kavanagh had good drives but Jouffret’s kick was too deep. 

1^st Rovers try -dive in corner by Gale  

On the half hour, Rovers worked it wide and Gale dived over in the corner, unsuccessful conversion by Hall from touch.  

After 34 minutes, Rovers ran it on left but Halifax held them up. 

The last 1^st half action was after 37 minutes as Jacks did a show and go near the line, but was held up. 

Halftime score: Featherstone Rovers 4-6 Halifax Panthers  

It was a poor 1^st half by Rovers, could they improve in the 2^nd half, surely they could? 

After 47 minutes, Halifax knocked on near the line, Rovers knocked on too but won a penalty but were bundled into touch. 

2^nd Halifax try- Aston crashed over  

Six minutes later, Aston crashed over for Halifax to extend their lead, successful conversion by Keyes and Halifax led 12-4. 

Sinbin for Rovers 

A minute or two later, Wildie was sinbinned for Rovers for a late tackle.  

After 56 minutes, Jacks chipped it on last but Jouffret took it, and Gwaze then lost control.

Just before the hour, Saltonstall stopped a walkin try for Briscoe. 

2^nd Rovers try- Jouffret didn’t collect  

On the hour, Smith’s grubber wasn’t dealt with by Jouffret and Smith dived on the ball to score, unsuccessful conversion by Hall. 

Two minutes later, Jouffret broke but was stopped, Keyes went so close as he was stopped a metre from the line, Murray went over but not given so he must have been short of the line. 

After 67 minutes, Rovers won a penalty as Ferres carried within 20 metres of the Halifax line 

3^rd Rovers try- Nice play by Rovers  

In the same minute Halifax tried to stop a breakaway and Hall stepped back inside to go over, Successful conversion by Hall for 1^st time of the afternoon and Rovers edged in front. 

Rovers penalty  

After 74 minutes, Cuthbertson was caught high, Rovers penalty and chose to go for the 2, Hall went for goal and converted it. 

With a minute left, Walmsley went for the intercept but didn’t collect 

4^th Rovers try

With the last action of the game, Hall went over to finish the game off, successful conversion by Hall 

Fulltime score: Featherstone Rovers 22-12 Halifax Panthers 

Not for the 1^st time this season, it was a unconvincing win for the Rovers but they ground it out to remain unbeaten this season. Halifax won’t get a better chance to beat them this season. 

Next for Rovers is their 5^th round Challenge Cup tie away at Batley Bulldogs, so another Yorkshire cup tie for Rovers.