Featherstone Rovers' big victory over Doncaster comes at a cost with injury blows
Featherstone Rovers’ delight at winning a huge clash with play-off rivals Doncaster has been dampened by news that two key players picked up injuries and will miss another four-pointer against Widnes Vikings this Saturday.
Rovers strengthened their claims for a top six – and top four – finish in the Betfred Championship with a 42-30 victory at the Eco-Power Stadium. But they will now be without half-back Ryan Hampshire, who has played a big part in the club’s revival in the second half of the season, and strong running prop Jimmy Beckett.
"The win came at a cost,” said head coach Paul Cooke. “We’ve lost Rocky to a broken arm and Jimmy Beckett to a 12-day stand down, HIA category one.
"But we came for two points and got them. I’m really proud of the players.
"It felt towards the end of the game that it was a loss, but when you look at Will Jubb out there running on one leg. Ryan’s inconsolable with his broken arm – it’s the same arm he broke when he came to the club. He’s going to hospital and looking at getting that fixed.
"And then we’ve got Jimmy who’s come in with little tweety birds flying round his head and he’s going to be out for next weekend.
"So I can’t speak highly enough of the playing group. They were really tough.
"I know we conceded too many points and neither team will be happy defensively, but I am proud of the players’ efforts.
"Will Jubb looked like he had to come off, we had a change at the end of the game with Gadwin (Springer).
"We only made two changes first half and had six up our sleeve. And then on 70 minutes we’ve got none left and that included a HIA with Jimmy Beckett.
"We know we’ve got to be better without the football, but the character of that team I am over the moon with.”
Rovers now face Widnes who remain in contention for a play-off place as they sit just four points behind them.
"We’re going to need every single one of the squad because we’re busted a little bit,” added Cooke..
"Players are going to get opportunities to play and that’s what we’ve got a team for. I’m looking forward to seeing where we get to next weekend against a team that won up in Barrow.”