Rovers ease to success but it comes at a cost

But the victory came at a cost because Rovers lost hooker George Flanagan in the first-half with a suspected broken leg.

Will Sharp, Greg Worthington, Gareth Moore and Andy Ellis each scored two tries as Featherstone eased to their fourth straight win.

Veteran half-back Jamie Rooney kicked six goals in his first start since rejoining the club and centre Sam Smeaton showed good touches in his first senior appearance for nearly two years following knee surgery. The writing was on the wall for Barrow after just two minutes when Ellis went over after clever play by Moore, Worthington and Sharp.

Sharp and Moore then crossed before Barrow got their only first-half points when Liam Campbell scored from half-back partner Ben Karalius’ clever kick and Ryan Shaw converted.

Rovers quickly took charge again as Flanagan darted over, Rooney sent in Moore for his second and Moore’s well-judged kick created Sharp’s second try.

Leading 30-6 at half-time, Featherstone soon cut loose again in the second period. Worthington capitalised on Ellis’ kick to score at the corner and Moore’s inside pass sent in Chris Annakin, before Jason Crookes raced over and Ellis bagged his second.

Barrow full-back Shaw intercepted Sharp’s pass to grab a 55-yard try he also goaled but Steve Crossley went over and Worthington grabbed his second as the final hooter sounded.

Featherstone Rovers: Hardman, Sharp, Worthington, Smeaton, Crookes, Moore, Rooney, Crossley, Ellis, James, Pick, Trout, Lockwood. Substitutes: Flanagan, Annakin, Bostock, Blackmore.

Barrow Raiders: Shaw, Goulding, Hambley, Wiper, Grant, Campbell, Karalius, Burke, Mossop, Davies, Harrison, Briscoe, Dwyer. Substitutes: Lloyd, Butler, Jones, Bullock.

Referee: T Crashley (RFL).