As a youngster a friend of my parents was very much involved with the
Hope and Anchor supporters Branch in Pontefract. A bus had been
booked to take supporters to the match against Australia in 1963. The rest
as they say is history.
It was a packed ground and a very good atmosphere. I must admit I do
not remember much about the game but was impresses enough to go to
the next match against Huddersfield at home in the Semi Final of the
Yorkshire Cup.
Sadly we were beaten 10 nil by Halifax in the final at Belle Vue.
Featherstone wore white that afternoon.
My mum and Dad told us that we could not go to away matches, but
when the Challenge cup came round, off we went to Oldham on a very
foggy Saturday afternoon. We lost that match by two points with
Malcolm Dixon missing a goal towards the end of the tie that would have
given us a replay at Home.
In the early 60s many supporters went to matches on supporters buses.
How things have changed. Many now go by car, and with so many other
attractions or distractions it is not really surprising that gates are down.
Best matches must include our Challenge Cup victories against Barrow,
Bradford Northern and of course the very famous victory against Hull.
The Final in 1974 was probably the roughest match played at Wembley.
Unfortunately we were on the losing side, with a flattering score line to
Warrington.
My best individual memory in a match was seeing Vaughan Thomas
scoring a fantastic flying try against Leeds on the right wing. What a
cracker it was on that sunny Wednesday evening at Post Office Road.
There have many been many disappointments through the years, but that
is the joy of the sport. Matches we have lost, when well capable of
beating the opposition, and not just in the recent past.
Best players include: -
Jacky Fennell, Stan Dawson, Gary Jordan, Vaughan Thomas, Mick
Smith, Joe Mullaney, Don Fox, Carl Dooler, Steve Nash, Les Tonks,
Arnie Morgan, Mal Dixon, Ray Hanscombe, Pete Smith, Vince Farrar,
Willis Fawley. Milan Kosanociv, Tommy Smales (loose forward)
Current players are excluded.
Of the coaching staff Laurie Gant, Peter Fox, and Allan Agar rank
amongst the leaders. But I am quite sure others have played a bigger part
in the history of the club, but results have gone against them.
My favourite referee must be Eric Clay. Firm but fair. Ask Terry Clawson
and he will let you have an unbiased opinion!
Money, or the lack of it, has always been a problem for the club, which
has led to the sale of many big guns to help ends meet.
Featherstone Rovers are very much a family club, big hearts and with a
band of loyal supporters who cheer of the team through thick and some
very thin times.
Last season was a big disappointment for all concerned. Lets hope for an
improvement next season. The fans have a very important play. Stop the
moaning and cheer the lads on.
Up the Rovers!!!!!