York City Knights start with 30-12 defeat to Featherstone

Featherstone had the edge in attack throughout the 80 minutes, scoring two quick-fire tries in both halves and adding a fifth late on, and were worthy winners.

But York left with their heads held high and a feeling of what may have been, had a few chances been converted as ruthlessly as their opponents had shown.

And that the Knights were able to compete for such prolonged periods against a Featherstone side that have spent over £1 million in assembling an expected promotion-winning squad was another positive sign for James Ford.

Perhaps the most pleasing sight though was that of the crowd, as 3,603 fans packed into the LNER Community Stadium, taking advantage of the discounted tickets to set a record attendance for a Knights game at the new ground.

Such a sight, along with that of a throughly entertaining Betfred Championship clash, would have made for excellent viewing for Premier Sports’ return to rugby league.

York named a new-look side with nine off-season recruits included although the starting 17 had a rather familiar feel to that of the 2021 season, given the two missing half-backs.

As expected, Myles Harrison started at full-back, with Matty Marsh back in the halves due to unavailability of Liam Harris and Brendan O’Hagan.

For Featherstone, high-profile addition Joey Leilua watched on from the stands although their vastly-talented squad included the likes of recruits Brandon Pickersgill, Jesse Sene-Lefao and ex-York half Morgan Smith.

Ranked as the favourites for promotion by the bookmakers before a ball was kicked, Featherstone came out of the blocks strongly and looked to have broken the deadlock after just over five minutes.

A short ball seemed to send over Sene-Lefao but a heroic try-saving tackle from Marsh denied the ex-Castleford forward.

Rubbing more salt in the wounds of the new Fev back-rower was the injury he suffered in the process, leaving him absent from the rest of the action.

Thereafter, both sides had their fair share of good ball in the opening quarter but failed to make it count.

Tom Holmes put a kick into touch while Will Jubb rushed a grubber and Fev easily snuffed out the danger.

The odd error began to creep into York’s game and from one of those - a knock on from Thompson on halfway - Featherstone broke the deadlock.

In many ways, it would be inevitable that former Knight Smith would score it, the half-back cutting back to score near the sticks.

The Knights managed to defend a wide shift left by the visitors but could not stop an incisive line ran by Jack Bussey onto James Lockwood’s short pass.

Twice Craig Hall goals ensured a 12-0 point lead on the half hour.

York needed a quick response if they were to get back into the game and they duly delivered one.

Jamie Ellis kicked high to the right and Fev failed to grasp the kick, with Joe Brown flicking the ball inside.

A stampede of players chased after the loose ball and, fortunately for York, James Glover claimed the decisive touch. Jamie Ellis landed the first of his two conversions.

The hosts battled hard to ensure they would trail by just one score at the break, with some wonderful defence seeing Brandon Pickersgill somehow held up.

The first score after half time looked crucial to the contest but York’s composure let them down. Teanby conceded a soft penalty in the Fev half and Rovers marched upfield to score.

With plenty of numbers on the wing, Josh Hardcastle was the man to dot down from a wide shift after twice coming close but for some tight York defence.

Smith looked to set up another score down the same flank but his pass only found touch.

A knock on by Pauli Pauli in the next set allowed Fev in for another try.

York will have been disappointed with how it came about as Luke Briscoe outmuscled Will Oakes in the corner to acrobatically dive over. Hall converted both tries.

Featherstone were looking dangerous with almost every attack and Gareth Gale was almost in at the corner, but for a forward pass.

Despite an 18-point deficit, York never gave in and showed great resilience until the finish.

A Matty Marsh kick won a drop-out and from it, Oakes found some space down the left but his inside pass was just too high for Jack Logan.

York continued to plug away and Ellis’ grubber won another drop-out which the home side managed to profit from.

Ronan Michael’s tough carry near the line gave just enough room space for Will Jubb to dart over from dummy half.

Rovers responded well to the score and a big defensive set teed up one final try.

Starting from halfway after Marsh’s rushed kick, Hall got over down the left wing but missed the subsequent conversion.

In many ways, Marsh encapsulated York’s sterling effort. Late on, he tried a kick-and-chase to the corner, winning another drop-out.

He seemed to have injured himself in doing so yet despite that continued to battle away with another attacking kick coming moments later.

In the end, Featherstone were deserving winners and they capped their performance with a late penalty goal from Hall.

York: Harrison, Brown, Glover, Logan, Oakes, Ellis, Marsh, Matongo, Jubb, Michael, Clarkson, Kirmond, Thompson.

Subs (all used): Teanby, Pauli, Stock, Brining.

Tries: Glover (30), Jubb (67)

Goals: Ellis (2/2)

York’s star man: Jordan Thompson. Already looks an inspired signing for York with another strong display.

Featherstone: Pickersgill, Briscoe, Hardcastle, Hall, Gale, Holmes, Smith, Lockwood, Wildie, Cooper, Sene-Lefao, Moors, Bussey.

Subs (all used): Jones, Davies, Trout, Field.

Tries: Smith (21), Bussey (26), Hardcastle (48), Briscoe (54), Hall (73)

Goals: Hall (4/5)

Referee: Jack Smith

Attendance: 3,602

Penalties/Six agains: 9 | 6

Goal line drop outs won: 2 | 1

Scoring sequence: 0-6, 0-12, 6-12, 6-16, 6-24, 12-24, 12-28, 12-30