Featherstone Rovers Women off to flying start in new season with cup victory over Sheffield Eagles

​Featherstone Rovers Women started their new campaign the way they ended their last one with victory as they overcame Sheffield Eagles in the Betfred Challenge Cup.
Tony Harber
By Tony Harber
Published 25th Mar 2024, 14:12 BST
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​A dominant display brought a 38-6 success at the Millennium Stadium in the first group stage game in the competition.

Shanelle Mannion gave Rovers the start they were looking for as she proved too strong for defenders near the line and wen over for the first try, which was converted by Chloe Smith.

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Eagles replied when Danielle Green chased her own kick through to score a try she also converted.

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Katie Evans dives over for a try. Pictures: John VictorKatie Evans dives over for a try. Pictures: John Victor
Katie Evans dives over for a try. Pictures: John Victor

But that was the last of the scoring for the visitors as Fev gradually took charge.

Ellie Lamb restored Rovers’ lead when finishing off a fine move, but it was only 10-6 at half-time with the home team showing signs of rustiness after their long absence without a competitive game.

A flying start to the second half ended worries for Featherstone when there was no stopping captain Brogan Churm from close range as she charged in for a try goaled by Tally Bryer.

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A lovely pass from Olivia Grace sent Hannah Watt in for another try and with Bryer adding the extras again it was now 22-10.

Olivia Grace looks to evade Sheffield Eagles tacklers. Picture: John VictorOlivia Grace looks to evade Sheffield Eagles tacklers. Picture: John Victor
Olivia Grace looks to evade Sheffield Eagles tacklers. Picture: John Victor

Katie Evans added to the lead as she crashed over from close range.

With Rovers now completely in charge Churm added her second try and Bryer’s conversion made it 32-6.

There was still time for Chloe Billington to impressively put the icing on the cake with a superbly taken individual effort and Bryer’s fourth conversion rounded off he scoring.

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It was a solid start for Featherstone who now face a much stiffer challenge in their second group game.

Featherstone Rovers players celebrate Katie Evans' try. Picture: John VictorFeatherstone Rovers players celebrate Katie Evans' try. Picture: John Victor
Featherstone Rovers players celebrate Katie Evans' try. Picture: John Victor

Marie Colley’s side travel to face favourites to win the competition York Valkyrie with the match taking place on Saturday, April 6 (1pm).

Featherstone Rovers have a strong history in the competition as they were the first team to win the Women's Challenge Cup when it began in 2012.

The Betfred Women's Challenge Cup final will once again this year be part of a finals day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, June 8, alongside the final of the men’s Challenge Cup and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup final.

Related topics:FeatherstoneSheffield Eagles