Sammut bags two tries as Wildcats beat derby rivals Rovers

The Wildcats bounced back from their 50-28 Boxing Day defeat at Leeds Rhinos while Rovers slipped to a second successive pre-season defeat against Super League neighbours after losing 18-0 at Castleford Tigers.

Both teams emerged with credit from a game watched by 1,597 fans

Tim Smith’s high kick set up the opening try for Wakefield’s Tom Johnstone.

Paul McShane set up a try for Matt Ryan and Craig Hall’s second goal made it 12-0 at half-time.

Featherstone fought back in the seconnd-half, with Will Sharp scoring from Gareth Moore’s kick.

A grubber kick by Paul Sykes then bounced off a post and Liam Walmsley pounced for a try that Sykes goaled to cut the gap to two points.

Danny Kirmond collected his own charge down and barged over for a try that Hall improved to increase Wakefield’s lead but Featherstone bounced back again and Nathan Chappell’s try in the corner put them only four points behind.

Sammut then sliced through for his first try that Hall goaled but Rovers replied when Thomas Minns crossed and Moore added the extras to put the outcome back in doubt.

Wakefield sealed victory with further tries from Hall and Sammut who scored off the final play of the game, with Hall converting.