Sharp proud despite missed chances

Featherstone head coach Jon Sharp praised his side’s approach following Sunday’s 20-20 draw with Hull KR, but was left reflecting on what might have been.

Fev raced into an impressive 16-0 interval lead at a packed LD Nutrition Stadium, but the Championship leaders rallied and led for the first time with less than seven minutes remaining.

It took a last-gasp Kyle Briggs penalty to seal a potentially vital point for Sharp’s team, but he was left to rue missed chances in his post-match assessment.

“Both teams lived up to the occasion and threw everything at each other – but it certainly feels like a loss for us,” said Sharp.

“Perhaps that is an indicator of how far we have come. We were brilliant and calm throughout, even after going behind.

“We battled well to get the point but we certainly threw away another one. We absolutely butchered a certain try in the first five minutes and missed simple shots at goal, putting us under massive pressure.

“On a more positive note, it was a fantastic response from the players and we were going up against a top team there – with plenty of ticker – and a fantastic pair of half-backs to boot.

“We knew we would have to be at our best to do anything against Hull KR and we weren’t a million miles away.

“When you take a step back and look at this result, it could prove massive for us.

“We are now back in the top four – three points clear of Halifax, in fifth – and within touching distance of the teams above us. We are still to play London, Halifax and Toulouse, so the battle for second spot is very much alive.

“No-one ever talks about us being a part-time team, though, and we have just come up a full-time one in Hull KR. We will face others in the weeks ahead.

“Going into a massive month for the club, both in the league and the cup, it is something we should all feel proud of.”