At a venue notoriously difficult for visiting sides to conquer, the Lions made a determined start, seemingly intent on correcting the mistakes that had cost them the previous Saturday, and they went on to win their play-off quarter-final 16-6.
Despite the early pressure, it was the home side who struck first when sharp handling across their back-line sent the full-back racing through to score between the posts.
That proved to be Saddleworth’s only impression on the scoreboard as the Lions quickly hit back. A fine break from Kian Fisher created the opportunity for Jack Brears to cross in the corner.
Rich Frankland was unable to add the difficult touchline conversion, but Featherstone’s powerful pack continued to put the visitors firmly on the front foot.
The pressure eventually told. Strong breaks from Josh Hardcastle and Luke Cooper paved the way for Elliott Bell to burst through a gap and score under the posts. Frankland made no mistake with the conversion this time, putting the Millpond men 10-6 ahead at the interval.
Rangers came out with renewed purpose after the break, but Featherstone’s resolute defence refused to yield. A succession of attacking sets were repelled before the Lions marched back downfield, setting up the game’s decisive score.
Jimmy Metcalfe finished the move by crossing in the corner. The conversion narrowly missed the uprights, but just minutes later Frankland added two more points after home side indiscipline handed Featherstone a penalty directly in front of the posts.
Tempers began to fray during the final 10 minutes as Saddleworth made a last-ditch attempt to claw their way back into the contest. The Lions stood firm and held on for a well deserved 16-6 victory with all 17 players making a significant contribution to an impressive team performance.
The reward for the win is a return meeting with Ince Rose Bridge on Saturday, October 10, with the winners securing promotion to NCL League One.
Fryston Warriors were unable to join the Lions in the next round of the play-offs as they were beaten 26-16 at Ince Rose Bridge.
Lock Lane ended their season in disappointing fashion in the Premier Division as they were well beaten 56-14 at Thatto Heath Crusaders.
The teams’ meeting in Castleford earlier in the season had been much closer with only six points in it, but Lane’s 16-man line-up was made to struggle in the return encounter.
Thatto Heath, who have not lost in seven games, closed with a Callum Gregory hat-trick, a brace for Alex Speakman and touchdowns for Sean Leicester, Sean Kenny, Jacob Woods, Jamie Tracey and Kye Siyani, with Ryan Houghton adding eight goals.
Lane, who responded to Speakman’s opener with a Brandon Worsley effort, were 38-4 adrift at the break before Tom Boardman scored first in the second period and Nathan Fozzard added the extras.
But the visitors subsequently conceded two tries after Thatto had lost Jake Dickinson to the sin-bin for repeat offending. And Connor Wilson’s late touchdown – followed by Siyani’s score – was nothing more than a consolation effort for a side that had already sealed top flight survival and have finished in ninth position.
9. Saddleworth Rangers v Featherstone Lions
The industrious Josh Hardcastle leads another Featherstone Lions attack. Photo: Jonathan Buck
10. Saddleworth Rangers v Featherstone Lions
Elliott Bell dives in for Featherstone Lions' second try. Photo: Jonathan Buck
11. Saddleworth Rangers v Featherstone Lions
Powerhouse prop Luke Cooper drives for the try line. Photo: Jonathan Buck