That Liam Marshall Is A Bit Handy, Yeah?
Swinton keep on finding new ways to be defeated this year; meanwhile on TV, our former dual registration player completes a hat trick! Oh, Rugby League!
Swinton Lions 13 Featherstone Rovers 30 by Jeff Tyldesley
Rovers came from behind in a highly accomplished second half performance to consolidate second place in the Championship table.
The margin of victory does not tie in with the bruising and tight encounter most of this game was, with the Lions deservedly snatching a half time lead.
Penalties, the sheer number of them, was a significant factor as referee Brandon Robinson notched over a quarter of a century of them and also had to resort to the cards, as the match became fractious in the later stages.
The teams were locked together for a long while, Rob Lever’s two huge hits on Jordan Baldwinson were Swinton’s early highlights while at the other end, Chris Ulugia squandered a chance close to the Lions’ line.
Swinton gradually took the ascendency, both Lions’ half backs combined with Jack Murphy to release Shaun Robinson scampering down the sideline, only great Fev’ defence prevented the opening score. Then Chris Atkin flicked a lovely pass to Connor Dwyer but the ball didn’t stick in his hands.
To add to Rovers’ problems, Bradley Knowles-Tagg was forced off for the rest of the match with a bad looking left leg injury, with Brett Delaney making an earlier than anticipated introduction off the bench.
Converted second rower Andy Thornley is lapping up the tries since recently becoming a centre for Swinton, following up a hat trick versus Bradford with another couple here, as he was on hand to finish off Atkin and Murphy’s spadework.
The goal was wide from Atkin but Swinton compensated for that shortly afterwards by firing over a penalty goal after Featherstone were caught offside defending their own line.
The visitors thought they were swiftly back on level terms but Anthony Thackeray’s final pass to Ash Handley was correctly ruled forward.
Rovers were all square shortly afterwards, Matty Wildie wriggled out of a couple of Swinton tacklers’ grasps on his way to score, for a fine individual effort
In the final minute of the half though, Atkin smartly kicked over a drop goal to give the Lions the tightest of half time leads.
The Lions carried over the momentum into the second half, even when Murphy knocked on a kick, fierce defence saw Featherstone and the ball separated within four tackles and Atkin once again nearly released Dwyer with a flat pass but the ball again went to ground.
The defence stood tall for Swinton to retain the lead, back to back sets were repelled with Frankie Mariano miraculously ankle tapped as he looked to be striding over and Keal Carlile held on his back on the line.
Pressure eventually told with Andrew Bostock storming over and just managed to avoid also being held on his back, with Michael Knowles kicking that simple conversion and a penalty minutes later, also from right in front, Fev’ had suddenly raced into a nine point lead.
Crucially, following a warning to Swinton Captain Thornley for the team’s behaviour, Dwyer was sent to the sin bin quarter of an hour from the end for persistent interference. Which is how Rovers made it safe, Jason Walton over from close range after Mariano and Wildie had both been denied.
With the game apparently gone, Swinton retrieved a short kick off and Thornley was sent in again, due to the efforts of Atkin, Grant Gore and Murphy, goaled by Atkin.
Rovers took no chances after Swinton were penalised for starting a brawl, Knowles punting over another two.
Then in the final seconds, Swinton went for a late try, chipping over the top from a scrum but Featherstone added further sheen by collecting and returning it back, Lee Briscoe putting in Handley at the corner.
SWINTON LIONS
1 Jack Murphy 7
2. Shaun Robinson 8
14. Ben White 6
13. Andy Thornley 8
26. Tom Davies 6
6. Grant Gore 7
7. Chris Atkin 7
15. Andy Bracek 8
20. Sean Kenny 8
27. Romain Navarrete 6
11. Connor Dwyer 6
17. Oliver Davies 7
8. Rob Lever 8
Subs:
19. Josh Barlow 6
16. Anthony Bate 7
22. Luke Waterworth (NU)
18. Ben Austin 8
Tries: Thornley 23, 76. Goals: Atkin 2/3 Drop Goal: Atkin (40)
FEATHERSTONE ROVERS
1 Ian Hardman 8
5. Luke Briscoe 6
22. Jason Walton 8
3. Chris Ulugia 6
24. Ash Handley 6
7. Anthony Thackeray 8
19. Matty Wildie 8
10. Andy Bostock 8
9. Keal Carlile 8
32. Jordan Baldwinson 7
12. John Davies 8
11. Michael Knowles 7
15. Bradley Knowles-Tagg 6
Subs:
33. Brett Delaney 6
34. Anthony Mullally 8
14. Frankie Mariano 8
13. Richard Moore 6
Tries: Wildie 34, Bostock 64, Walton 75, Handley 80 Goals: Knowles 6/7.
Ref Rating: B Robinson 50/100
Half Time: 7-6
Penalties: 14-12
Sin Bin: Dwyer (65 - interference)
Sent Off: None
Weather: Cold and blustery
Man of the Match: Keal Carlile (Featherstone)
Attendance: 850
Match Rating 4/5.