Featherstone’s class tells but Dewsbury claim bonus point

Despite leading at the break through the boot of stand-off Patch Walker, Warren Jowitt’s men were caught cold immediately after the restart and conceded back-to-back tries.

They struggled in their attempt to plug the subsequent gap but did take a bonus point for their troubles as Walker added a second penalty in the final minute.

Both sides went close in the opening minutes but neither managed to cross the whitewash and the deadlock remained intact for over half an hour.

Searching for a breakthrough, Rovers coach Daryl Powell rung the changes and the introduction of Mick Haley and Dominic Maloney had an immediate effect.

The away side trundled towards the Dewsbury end and were handed a perfect opportunity when George Flanagan coughed up possession 10 metres from his own line.

In the style befitting of champions, Featherstone pounced upon the opportunity.

It was former Rams half-back Liam Finn who wreaked havoc as his perfect cut-out pass found Ian Hardman, who bundled over the home line from close range to touch down.

Flanagan made up for his costly error directly from the restart as the hosts regained possession.

The former Batley hooker launched an eye-catching two-man attack and centre Ryan Esders gratefully received to touch down. Walker’s conversion attempt, however, struck the right upright, leaving the scores locked at 4-4.

With the clock now ticking down, Featherstone were caught offside by referee George Stokes and Walker turned the opportunity into points, calmly landing a penalty from 25 metres out.

Dewsbury failed to kick on after the breakthough.

Rovers hit them with two tries, converted by Finn, in four minutes courtesy of Andy Kain and Matty Dale, making it 16-6.

Dewsbury hit back when Austin Buchanan darted 50 metres to stumble over in the corner but his effort was cancelled out shortly after by Kain, who touched down to complete his two-try haul.

The two sides traded late goals but Dewsbury’s ensured them of what could prove to be a vital bonus point come the end of the season.

Dewsbury Rams: Craven, Scott, Esders, Faal, Buchanan, Walker, Spaven, Jones, Blake, Crossley, Spicer, Barker, Tonks. Substitutes: Flanagan, Nicholson, Bolger, Southernwood.

Featherstone Rovers: Hardman, Ropati, Smeaton, Worthington, Saxton, Kain, Finn, England, Kaye, Dickens, Lockwood, Spears; Dale. Substitutes: Hepworth, Maloney, Haley; Grayson.

Referee: George Stokes.