JUNIOR RL: Featherstone Lions roar to Yorkshire Cup triumph against Lock Lane

In a game played at Featherstone Rovers’ LD Nutrition Stadium front of a big and noisy crowd the two local rivals played out a cracking contest that went right down to the wire and was a fantastic advert for junior rugby league in this area.

The young Lions emerged victorious 18-14 against their Castleford opponents who have been all conquering in the last year.

Featherstone struck first when drives from Elliot James and Ethan Wood were followed by Jude Thompson forcing his way over the line. Billy Finnerty tagged on the conversion.

Lock Lane replied well as they scored in the corner to cut the lead then went ahead with a converted try. But Billy Nadin and Tom Greenleaf combined well down the flank while Dan Proctor and Josh Carrington added steel from the bench for the Lions.

They levelled before the break when Finnerty crashed over to score.

In the second half Lock Lane regained the lead with an unconverted try.

But Jay Swain and Brook Stanley were dangerous out wide for Featherstone while full-back Calvin Sandhu returned the ball with interest.

Big centre Jack Smith tied the game with a strong run to touch down.

Half-back Eli Saul tackled Lane’s forwards with textbook technique while livewire Jaiden Tang kept the opposition on their toes with sniping runs.

Kenyon Olpherts and Alfie Beresford were involved in every aspect. Maddox Jeffery was a deserved man of the match for his non-stop effort.

Featherstone edged in front when Smith wriggled over to snatch a try.

The Lions then held their nerve and absorbed everything Lock Lane threw at them to hold their narrow advantage until the end of the thrilling final.

The Lions coaching team would like to thank the entire squad for all the hard work in every round of the competition.

In another BARLA Yorkshire Cup final to be played on Sunday at the LD Nutrition Stadium, Siddal U16s beat Stanningley U16s 28-6.