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FEATHERSTONE LIONS 12 HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS 10 – Millpond

A try in the 78th minute from livewire stand off Jamie Nicholson has left Featherstone in pole position for a top four finish as they beat their nearest rivals.
 Two minutes before his clinching effort, however, it seemed as though the pendulum had swung the other way.

 Lions led 8-4 and seemed on the verge of victory when forcing Rangers to concede a drop out with barely five minutes remaining.
 The ball found touch and from the resulting scrum, Matt Garside forced his way over from dummy half close in, David Holmes’ goal seeming to have give the visitors a late win.
 The defending champions showed great resilience, which will stand them in good stead come the knock out phase, powering their way up field on virtually their last set for Nicholson to spot the smallest gap and nip through it to claim the victory.

 In a superb clash, where no quarter was given or taken, Rangers earned their sixth bonus point of the campaign to keep them a victory ahead in the race for the play offs.
 Stirring defence dominated the first half after the sides had traded early touchdowns, outstanding Craig Barker putting the hosts ahead in the 5th minute.
 Holmes replied but there was nothing to separate the effort and endeavour of two mighty packs that went in all-square at the break.

 In an increasingly error-strewn second half, neither could find any concerted fluency, moves often breaking down as the final pass went astray.
 Featherstone went in front just before the hour, centre Stu Davis striding through and looked as though they would held on until Garside’s late score.
 Lions stayed calm and manufactured one last chance to snare the spoils which they took with commendable aplomb.
 
Featherstone Lions U16’s

Featherstone Lions 30 – Castleford Panthers 20

Featherstone Lions U16’s won their Division on Sunday in a thrilling local derby.
This was an outstanding performance in which the whole squad should be proud of themselves; Castleford are a very strong and organised team which shows with them coming 3rd in the division.

Man of the match went to Luke Hobbs for his strong running and strong defence.

The whole squad deserves congratulating for coming so far and improving so much this year, “thank you all” and good luck for the rest of the season.
Coaches: Darren Roberts, Daz Wyatt and Glyn Dyas.

Players; Josh Hardcastle, Ash Smith, Jake Scoffins, Nico Deville, Jack Briscoe, Ricky Williams, Zak Hardaker, Nail Knight, Liam Ripley, Damion Evans, Danny Cowlin, Ryan Turner, Luke Hobbs, Josh Wyatt, Joe Fox ( c ), Rob Turpin, Danny Barnes, Joe Flounders, and George Swinson .

Bob Cunningham

Wizards ran riot in the second half, their 11 try victory to maintain their unbeaten run emphasising that they will be one of the teams to watch in 2008.

 Bolstered by the signing of East Lancashire Lions’ 2007 RLCN ‘dream teamer’, loose forward Alan Reddecliffe - who crossed twice on his debut - Warrington were in devastating form after the break.

 Lions, who were without a number of first teamers but welcomed back Adam Thaler, lost their way following the interval, their cause not helped by the dismissal of second rower Craig Barker.

 The opening forty was action packed and highly entertaining, John Smith opening the scoring for the hosts in the tenth minute.

 Wizards hit back with three unconverted efforts in ten minutes as a reward for their enterprising play, impressive centre Danny Shaw crossing for the first, Reddecliffe making his presence felt and Ian Stephenson sprinting clear out wide.

 Barker’s score on the half hour to go with Richard Frankland’s second goal levelled matters but Stuart Pirrie exploited space on the left and Warren Ayres landed the visitors’ first goal to edge them in front.

 Right on the stroke of half time, Lions centre Steve Crowe forced his way over to narrow the gap to two points but that was the closest they came as the Wizards then turned on the style. Joint player/coach Chris Mellor found the line within four minutes of the re-start and when Stephenson claimed his second, the writing was on the wall.

 After Barker’s dismissal, four touchdowns in seven minutes blitzed Featherstone as the Warrington back rowers, in particular, ran rampant.

 Matt Taylor and inspirational Jono Smith, along with impish Billy Sheen and Shaw were simply unstoppable, Reddecliffe claiming his brace soon after to bring up the half century. To their credit, Featherstone battled on and posted the final points with a try from Byron Cooper.

GAME STAR – Wizards had a number of stand out performers but second rower Jono Smith was perpetual motion.

GAME BREAKER – Ian Stephenson’s second try in the 53rd minute signalled a Warrington avalanche.

FEATHERSTONE Lions under eights continued their good form in a hard-earned victory over Oulton Vikings.
Callum Childs, Bailey Barker, Jake Greenway and Arron Roebuck were outstanding in attack and defence.
Jack Appleyard made a welcome return after illness.
Strong-tackling Nathan Haytack had one of his best games this season. Connor Paver made a try
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scoring return with a well-taken score after good work from coach's merit award winner Patrick Harrison.
Regan Roberts and Josh Maden fended off several would-be tacklers to score long range tries.
Brandon Boldy was Featherstone's other try scorer with a great solo effort from half way.
Hard-working man of the match Roberts was in top form. Roebuck, Haytack, Paver and Maden also shone in defence.
Castleford Panthers under eights gave a superb performance against a determined Whinmoor side.
Panthers started strongly and soon went ahead when Marty Hiscock broke clear to score.
It was followed by tries from Charlie Sykes, Josef Fella and Josh Farr before Lewis Findlay grabbed his first ever touchdown in a league game.
Man of the match Luke Hudson scored with a long-range effort, Jake Sweeting got on the scoresheet and Fella, Sweeting and Charlie Sykes all collected their second tries.
The Panthers defence, led by top tackler Max Kelly, was in top form. Harry Archdale, Matthew Sykes, Joshua Scaife, Kieran Martin, Jack Crane,Hudson, Sweeting and Fella also tackled well.
Fryston under eights gave their best performance this year against Dudley Hill Bees.
Brandon Gill scored five tries with his elusive runs.
Top tackler Layden Jennison worked non stop. He made 16 tackles, scored two tries and kicked one goal.
The most improved player award went to ever-improving Megan Smith and the coach's award went to Brooklyn Birdsall who grabbed one try and kicked one goal.
Corey Davison capped a fine display with a try. Poppy Marriott, Joe Waite, Amber Butcher (one goal) and Ashley Cheshire (one try) also shone.
Fryston have started pre-season training for the 2008/9 campaign at under 14, 16 and 17 levels. New and old players will be welcomed at Tuesday and Thursday training sessions at Fryston Welfare (5.30 to 6.30). Contact Mick on 01977-516291 for details.