Featherstone Lions knocked off top spot by well organised Panthers after defeat
Dark clouds hung over Huddersfield both on and off the field as Featherstone Lions came off second best against a determined and well organised Newsome Panthers side.
The hosts deservedly claimed a 22-12 victory in a National League Yorkshire B Conference game, avenging their early season defeat at the Millpond and taking top spot from them as a result.
Despite blustery conditions, a sloping pitch and early injuries the Lions settled quickly and made the brighter start, enjoying a strong opening spell that carried them deep into Panthers territory. However, points proved elusive as unforced errors crept into their game, relieving the pressure and handing possession back to the home side.
The Kirklees side were first to get on the scoreboard, taking the lead through a penalty before adding a converted try. Their reward came from resolute defence and capitalising on the visitors' mistakes.
Featherstone responded immediately. From the restart, a rare handling error by the Panthers close to their own line gifted the Lions an opportunity and Liam Kay crashed over in the corner. The difficult conversion drifted wide in the wind, but the visitors were back in the contest.
Unfortunately for the Lions, half-time could not come soon enough. In the closing minutes of the half, Newsome executed a perfectly judged chip-and-chase to score another converted try, stretching their advantage to 14-4 at the break.
Featherstone responded well after the restart. Gaz Gale produced one of several powerful breaks down the right edge before finding Davi Garahan, who finished superbly in the corner. The conversion proved difficult in the swirling conditions, leaving the Lions trailing 14-8 but firmly back in the game.
The score seemed to galvanise the Panthers, who responded with another spell of determined defence before producing the decisive score. Playing from deep, the home side moved the ball fluently through several pairs of hands to split the Lions' defence for an excellent team try.
The successful conversion, followed by a penalty goal, extended Newsome's lead to 22-8 and left the hosts in control.
Featherstone continued to battle until the final whistle. Newsome's goal-line defence frustrated several late attacks before Josh Maden finally squeezed over in the closing moments. Kay's difficult afternoon with the boot continued as the conversion drifted wide, leaving the final score at 22-12.
The Lions can have few complaints. Losing the powerful running of Hammond and the creativity of Danny Johnson forced a reshuffle, but those setbacks should not detract from an impressive performance by the Panthers, who were the better side on the day.
Featherstone's coaching staff will be looking for an immediate response when the Lions return to action on Saturday with a trip to bottom of the table side Hull Dockers.
In the National League’s Premier Division Hunslet ARLFC completed the double over a 16-man Lock Lane squad who had lost 32-6 in Castleford.
This time it was even more convincing for the south Leeds team as they ran out 68-0 winners despite the dismissal on 15 minutes of Jamie Fields for an alleged high tackle.
Lane, who are now only outside the drop zone on points’ difference to Heworth after three successive defeats, suffered by far their heaviest defeat this season despite the efforts of full-back Kyle Cranswick.
Hunslet, who were 32-0 ahead at the interval, closed with a Stan Boyes hat-trick, a Josh McLelland brace and touchdowns for Craig McShane, Tyler Dargan, Harry Dodd, Caelum Jordan, Shane Jackson, Joe Abson and Danny Sowerby, with Harry Shackleton kicking 10 goals.
Lock Lane travel to play Waterhead Warriors this Saturday.