Lions showed how far they have come against perhaps one of the strongest teams in division 3.
With three tries disallowed, two from Coaches merit winner Matty Wallace and one from Will Plimmer, Featherstone could consider themselves unlucky not to have come away with a win.
Starting strongly and forcing an error from the kick off, Lions came close to scoring from the scrum involving half backs Jack Harris, Jack Waites and loose forward Lawson Roberts.
In a game which tested Lions’ resolve, they again gelled as a team and stuck to their guns. Text book defending by the entire team, which was led from the front by top defender Ellis Hobson, prevented Stanley crossing first.
Lion’s first try came from quick hands from acting half Hobson,Waites and a clever pass from Roberts giving Will Plimmer the glory in the corner.
The conversion proved too difficult for Harris.
From the restart Lions started to get a grip on the game with hard yards made by forwards Ashley El Zebedi and Callum Coleman, resulting in good field position.
In only their second game, the back row pairing of Jordan Adams and Todd Morgan caused Stanley problems and let them know they were in for a tough afternoon.
Despite their hard work, penalties brought Stanley within striking distance which they capitalised on with a converted try.
They second half brought the best out of Featherstone with top drawer work from the entire team.
Wings Tom Beal and Wallace shared the work with decisive runs from dummy half and full back Jack Sutton added his weight to the attacking line, stretching their cover.
Waites started to discover his form and gave Stanley endless problems with some excellent play, drawing their defenders giving room for Lion’s three quarters to attack Stanley’s advantage line.
Again Stanley scored after Lions were penalised, which they failed to convert.
Lion’s interchanges started to work well with prop Ryan Jones having his best game this season.
A strong second half by centre Thomas Hatfield showed what a danger he can be.
Lions final try by Morgan between the sticks made life easier for Harris who converted to bring the scores level.
With their tails up, Lions stepped up a gear and ran Stanley ragged with good attacking play. Hobson was held short and Hatfield was unable to capitalise on his strong running with good defence stopping a quick ball to his wing, Wallace.
Jack Waites, despite suffering from a knock, took the game to Stanley and brought on his support play to ensure a pulsating finish to the game.
Coaches merit winner Matty Wallace
All the team took credit from this match with the man of the match going to Waites.
