Panthers’ dream ended by semi-final defeat to Rovers
HALIFAX PANTHERS missed out on a place in the Million Pound Game following their 4210 defeat to Featherstone Rovers in the play-off semi-finals.
After a competitive first half, things quickly went downhill as Featherstone punished the visitors for every single mistake.
Halifax conceded a penalty inside their own 10 metres and Rovers took full advantage as Frankie Halton forced his way through. Craig Hall added the touchline conversion.
Robert Hicks sent Featherstone’s Tom Holmes to the sin bin after a late shot on Matt Garside and the Panthers turned their numbers advantage into points when Conor McGrath crashed over.
Hall’s penalty added to Fev’s tally and the lead increased further through Craig Kopczak’s touchdown and Hall’s conversion.
The visitors had two big chances before the break but both came to nothing as Featherstone held on to their tenpoint lead at the interval.
Featherstone moved up through the gears in the second half and with 52 minutes gone, it was Brett Ferres who forced his way over.
Moments later, the Panthers were punished for a short kick off attempt and Josh Hardcastle ended up going over.
Halifax attempted another short kick off but once again they were made to pay as Connor Jones touched down. Another conversion from Hall moved the home team 30-4 ahead.
The Panthers already had a mountain to climb but things soon got worse.
In the 62nd minute Conor McGrath lost possession while under pressure from Featherstone’s chasers. Kris Welham was there to pick up the loose ball and crash over.
Scott Grix produced a clever kick behind Featherstone’s defence and Liam Harris pounced to score a try goaled by Connor Robinson.
But Rovers had the final say of the game with a late effort from Jones, who scored under the sticks. Hall’s final conversion ended the scoring.
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