Wakefield Trinity fall to defeat as Featherstone take the spoils in the final pre-season friendly before the start of the 2022 season.
In a very similar dimension to the one that played against Halifax last Sunday, Willie Poching opted for a strong side as Wakefield’s pre-season preparations came to an end in West Yorkshire.
Brian McDermott had Rovers playing some good stuff against Leeds last week, and the home side started brightly, being offered a helping hand as Liam Hood was sin-binned in the opening exchanges.
Looking to make the extra man pay, it was the hosts who struck first. Josh Hardcastle bundled over close to the Trinity line despite a resilient Trinity defence.
With Wakefield trying to apply the pressure, it took until the 20th minute for visitors to register their first try of the afternoon.
After a mix up in the Featherstone defence, the ball found its way to Tom Lineham, whose big carry got Trinity up the field. In the next set, liquid Rugby League saw the ball find Johnstone, who dived over in the corner.
Wakefield’s lead proved to be short-lived, however, as Featherstone added two more before the half-hour mark. Ex-Trinity forward Craig Kopczak scored against his former side before Craig Hall went over.
There was time for one more score before the interval, though, as Corey Hall offered Trinity a lifeline. The centre going over after an incredible offload on the goal-line leaving a four-point deficit at the break.
A scrappy start to the second period ensued as Wakefield looked to gain the lead for the first time in the contest.
It was the home side who added their fourth of the match, however, with a neat piece of play from Josh Morgan unlocking the Trinity defence as he touched down.
James Batchelor scored his first of the season in the second period but it wasn’t enough as we fall to a 22-18 defeat at the Millennium Stadium.