MATCH REPORT 30.3.25

Photo by Paul Cowan

Northern Championship Round 2: London Broncos vs Featherstone Rovers

By William Elvin

Broncos ran riot against twelve player Featherstone to win their first league game of the season despite a nervy second half.   

Four tries from Nicole Kennedy, a second consecutive hatrick for the center, marked a dominant performance for London as they led 26-4 just after half time. 

Credit to the visitors however, after a disastrous opening 40 involving Hannah Watt being sent off, they were able to go on a run of three straight tries to come within 6 points of a tie with London. 

But the home side rallied to cease Rover’s momentum late in the game, Emily Bell and Ioana McCusker both added to the lead giving Broncos some breathing space. 

London started the game confidently, three of Kennedy's four tries came in the opening thirty minutes. The centre has recorded seven tries in her opening two games this season.  

Featherstone had hit back after the first score by Broncos, but they were overwhelmed by the home side's presence and cunning with the ball. 

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors toward the end of the first half, Becky Smart found herself free to run about 20 meters out, when Hannah Watt aggressively brought Smart down with an illegal challenge earning her a red card. 

Ironically, Featherstone would go on to score more tries with 12 players instead of 13. There were certainly moments in the second half where London were very much on the backfoot.

Overall it was a strong yet uncertain display by the Broncos. Their seemingly unstoppable attack has propelled them to a promising start in the league, albeit having some difficulties when their opponents catch rhythm.  

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Coming up next:

London Broncos vs Wigan Warriors

Challenge Cup Group Round 1

Sunday 13th April 2025

2pm at Chiswick RFC