PICTURE GALLERY: Featherstone Lions earn bragging rights in fiercely contested derby with Fryston Warriors

In conditions more akin to Fuengirola than Fryston, the home side set the early pace in the baking sunshine.

A series of early drives by the Castleford side set the tone for the afternoon, but they were held and Featherstone gradually took control, using the slope to their advantage as they went on to take the spoils by a 34-6 margin to further push their claims to the title come the end of the season.

With the visitors enjoying an advantage in territory and possession, Gaz Gale powered over for the opening try.

Shortly afterwards, another powerful drive saw the ageless James Lockwood crash over, taking several Fryston defenders with him. Ian Jackson converted both tries to put the visitors 12-0 ahead.

The home side were undeterred and responded with a succession of sets that put the Lions under pressure. However, repeat sets of six failed to make an impression on the scoreboard and frustration boiled over just before half-time with a brawl that resulted in the first yellow card for the visitors.

Unfortunately, tempers were not soothed by the initial fracas. A second bout of fisticuffs saw two Fryston players shown red, while Lions also received another yellow card.

The second half began with both sides reduced to 11 players and Fryston winger Tomlinson gave the home side hope when he scored from a crossfield kick to bring them back into the game.

Despite two further second half yellow cards, the Lions’ numerical advantage, combined with the sweltering conditions, eventually told.

Jack Lloyd raced the length of the field to score, before Alfie Beresford grabbed a trademark try from acting-half.

Chris Bingham then powered over to put the result beyond doubt and Rudi Pryce collected an inch-perfect kick from Liam Kay to complete the second half scoring.

Throughout the game, the referee managed the volatility of the contest well. When the final whistle sounded, Featherstone had secured a convincing 34-6 victory over their Castleford rivals.

The conclusion of the game also saw camaraderie take precedence over the fierce, no-prisoners attitude that had characterised the preceding 80 minutes: a fitting reminder of the spirit that exists alongside the local rivalry.

Fryston still have a chance of making the NCL play-off league that concludes the season, while the Lions now have the opportunity to crown themselves Yorkshire B champions when another local rivalry resumes in their next game against Normanton Knights on Friday, August 21, with an evening kick-off.