The Trojans had been kept apart from Featherstone by the vagaries of the revamped Yorkshire leagues this season, but despite that separation they proved no match for the Millpond men.
In a carbon copy of last week’s Cumbrian game, Featherstone took control with a first half blitz of possession, territory and points.
Winger Jimmy Metcalfe got the Lions on the board with an early try in the corner before Ash Smith repeated his feat from last week, powering over beside the posts.
Davi Garahan was another to back up from last week, scoring the first of his hat-trick, but the pick of the first half scores came from Nathan Hammond. The forward produced a formidable burst before sprinting in from 30 yards out.
The visitors were not to be undone, however, defending gamely throughout. Their resolve was rewarded when a fortunate bounce allowed them to register their first points.
It proved only a momentary blip in the procession, with Jack Brears’ try putting the seal on an impressive opening half and sending Lions into the interval 34-4 ahead. Rich Frankland converted five of the six first half tries.
As the visitors tired, the second half provided further opportunities for Featherstone to add to their tally, although the home side were not as clinical as they might have liked. Several chances went begging, while Thornhill’s terrier-like attitude at the ruck disrupted a number of Lions’ attacks.
The try-line profligacy was eventually rectified with second-half tries from Gaz Gale, Luke Cooper and a further two from Garahan to complete his hat-trick.
Frankland converted three of the four scores to maintain his perfect record in the second half, Danny Glassell adding the final conversion.
Thornhill continued to defend bravely and managed to add an unconverted try in the corner, but there was no denying Featherstone as the final score finished 58-8.
Jack Brears was awarded the man of the match, but this was very much an all-round team performance from the Lions, particularly given the enforced changes to the side.
A much sterner test awaits next week when Ince Rose Bridge visit the Millpond, with Lions looking to maintain their unbeaten home record in 2026. Both teams remain unbeaten in the play-offs, setting up a genuine winner take all clash this Saturday.
The victors will be crowned play-off league champions and secure home advantage for what could be a mouth-watering quarter-final clash.
Fryston Warriors lost their Cross Conference play-off 28-0 at Orrell St James.
Lock Lane were unable to pull further clear of the relegation zone in the National League’s Premier Division as they lost 32-16 at Wath Brow Hornets.
The Hornets, who had won 33-10 at Castleford earlier in the season, sealed their place in the play-offs.
They were 14-4 ahead at the interval and closed with a Nathan Dougan brace and tries by Fran King, Morgan McCourt and Matthew Creasey, with Sam Curwen kicking six goals.
Lane, who had been seeking a third win on the spin, missed out despite a try and two conversions by Calum Butler and touchdowns for Morgan Jones and Leyton Davies.
Here’s a look at Jonathan Buck’s images from the Featherstone Lions game:
5. Featherstone Lions v Thornhill Trojans
Jimmy Metcalfe steps inside the Thornhill full-back to score in the corner. Photo: Jonathan Buck
6. Featherstone Lions v Thornhill Trojans
Lions star Josh Hardcastle tests the Trojans' line. Photo: Jonathan Buck
7. Featherstone Lions v Thornhill Trojans
Kian Fisher leads a Lions' attack. Photo: Jonathan Buck
8. Featherstone Lions v Thornhill Trojans
Man of the match Jack Brears slices through the Thornhill Trojans'defence. Photo: Jonathan Buck