Heartbreak For The Brothers

Challenge Cup 1st Round Royal Navy v Featherstone Lions
USSG, Burnaby Road Portsmouth

RNRL:
Darren Bamford, Luke Cooper, Rokoderea Kurusasa, Silivenuisi Buinimasi, Mike Haldenby, Sam Carter, Ryan Matthew, Richie Metcalfe, Kev Botwood, Adam Birkett, Ben Taylor (C), Lee Gaskell, Tommy Wilkinson - Tom Marchant, James Parry,Steve Riley, Andy Parrott

Featherstone Lions:
Ian Jackson, Kieran Redfearn, Reece Dyas, Josh Hardcastle, Davi Garahan, Richard Frankland, Sam Candlin. Sam Millard, Dean Gamble, Adam Curtis, George Nuttall, Gaz Gale, Brendan Gibbins, Walker, Jack Candlin, Phil Banks, Anthony Yates, Sam Wilson, Liam Jackson

Ref Gareth Evans

Half Time 4:12

Full Time RN18: 20

Man Of The Match - Mike Haldenby RN Right Wing

A late try for the Lions broke the RN hearts after they had come back from 16:4 down just into the second half.

Lions went ahead after early exchanges Josh Hardcastle crossing with Jackson converting. RN put pressure on the Lions but could not get over and a breakaway try for Kieran Redfearn again converted by Jackson saw the visitors go out to a 12 point lead after 24 minutes.
The RN came back at the Lions again and this time they were rewarded with Royal Marine Steve Riley crossing in the left corner. Another RN try was disallowed for a forward pass but with no further scores it remained 4:12 at the break.

The Lions made the best possible start to the second half, Redfearn crossing for his second after only 3 minutes of the new half, this time Jackson missed the kick. The RN fought their way back into the match with a try to winger Mike Haldenby who had the simplest of touchdowns out wide after some great approach work by the Navy. Haldenby went over again barely 5 minutes later with a spectacular dive to beat the Lions defence to score his second of the game, the conversion was missed but it was now game on. After a lot of effort by both sides the game entered the last ten minutes and the RNs work paid off Steve Riley again operating out on the left wing beat the tiring Lions defence to score his second. A change of kicker saw Ryan Matthews put over a great effort from the touchline to give the RN the lead for the first time in the match.
With the clock running down a knock on by the RN on their own 40 metre line gave possession back to the Lions who pushed a kick into the dead ball area and Sam Candln won the foot race to touchdown. The missed kick was academic with barely three minutes left the RN were unable to make enough ground to score again. A thrilling Cup-tie but ultimately heartbreak or the Navy and joy for the Lions who knew they had been in a match.

Scorers RN T Haldenby (2) Riley (2)
G Matthews (Conv)
Lions T Redfearn (2), Hardcastle. Candlin
G Jackson 3 (Conv)