Promotion

Featherstone Lions.

Their own win was built on punishing and sometimes brutal defence.

The first-half showing was clinical and rivalled the first 40 minutes of the previous week’s win over Milford as the best performance of the season.

And even though they didn’t hit the same heights in the second period, Underbank were far too good for the Knights and eased off in the later stages.

Four tries were scored in the first half by Underbank through left wing Courtney Allette, front rower Luke Roberts and a brace from Nathan Chappell, plus five Chappell goals.

Right wing Will England scored in the second half and half back Jakob Garside chipped in with two great tries, with Chappell adding a further two conversions.

On a dry pitch, and the Normanton ground bathed in warm sunshine, Rangers once again had a much-changed side, as with Jack Thompson, Kris Harrop, Mikey Holmes, and England all returning to the 17 in place of Owen Restall, Luke Pogson, Sam Rochford, Dan Farrand, Jonlee Sanderson and John Birt, while both Chappell and Tom Eidson made their season debuts as Underbank’s squad depth was tested to the full.

Against the run of play, Normanton scored as centre Connor Taylor reacted first to a stabbed through kick. He added the extras.

That was as good as it got for the home side in the first half as they never threatened again as a result of Underbank’s superb defensive stint.

Rangers were level after 11 minutes as Chappell released his left wing Allette for a score. Chappell kicked successfully and superbly from the touchline.

From this point on, Underbank totally dominated the half