Women’s Match Preview: Featherstone
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan Warriors Women’s Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter Final match against Featherstone Rovers. The Warriors Women face Rovers at the Millennium Stadium (Post Office Road) on Sunday 10th April (6pm K.O.).
Campaign so far
Wigan head into the fixture having won two and lost one in their Betfred Challenge Cup group stages. The Warriors scored 106 points across the three games, with their second place finish tying them up with Featherstone Rovers.
Featherstone topped their group with three wins, taking victory over Oulton Raidettes, Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers and scoring 150 points on the way.
Injury news
The Warriors remain without Rachel Thompson, Alison Burrows, Cailey Miller, Hannah Walton, Vicky Molyneux and Rebecca Greenfield for the fixture this week through injury.
Head-to-head
This weekend’s game will be the seventh meeting between the two sides, with Wigan having won five of the previous six games against Rovers.
Last four meetings:
- Featherstone 10-36 Wigan (BWSL)
- Featherstone 18-16 Wigan (BWSL)
- Wigan 42-4 Featherstone (BWCC)
- Featherstone 18-44 Wigan (BWSL)
Summary:
- Featherstone wins: 1
- Wigan wins: 5
Squad News
The Warriors have named their 19-player squad to travel to Featherstone on Sunday evening, with four new Academy products named who could debut, along with Mary Coleman who was recruited from local Union side Preston Grasshoppers.
Women’s squad to face Featherstone:
Coach quotes
Speaking to wiganwarriors.com, Women’s Assistant Coach John Whalley previewed the game: “Featherstone are a very tough side, who have recruited very well in the off season to add to what was already proving to be a well balanced team. We expect a good tough battle in the middle, our focus will be on making sure our defence works really hard and close the opportunities down it certainly has the makings of a great cup tie.
“We know we have the qualities within the squad to score tries we have to back that up with good quality defence. That has been our focus since the York defeat, the girls responded very well and not to concede against Dewsbury was really pleasing while showing the attacking qualities.”
He added: “It’s great to see the girls progressing through our Academy system to make their debuts, we have a long history of boys coming through the system into the mens team and we want to replicate that to produce and develop our own girls. Its a credit to the club and coaching staff for their investment in making this happen, having seen Sophie Clarke and Jodie Morris make their debuts so far. I am optimistic about the future, it’s very exciting.”
Ticket info
Tickets for the fixture can be purchased in advance via the Featherstone Rovers website. Tickets are priced at £5 Adults, £5 Concessions and U16s go free. Tickets can be purchased HERE or on the day.
As an incentive for Wigan fans also making the trip to Wakefield to watch the first team at 2:30 – Featherstone have also activated an offer which Warriors’ Season Ticket Holders can take advantage of, with a £2 ticket when presenting their Season Ticket at the Millennium Stadium (Post Office Rd) on Sunday. Parking is free at the ground and kick off is at 6pm which allows fans the time to make the short hop from the Be Well Support Stadium.
Watch Live
Can’t make it to the game? The fixture is being streamed live and free on Our League from 6pm. Simply register for a FREE Our League account to watch.
Social Media
Wigan fans can follow every piece of the action via our social media channels and website.
- Twitter (@WiganWarriorsRL) – half time and full time updates.
- Instagram (@wiganwarriorsrl) – half time and full time updates.
- Facebook (Wigan Warriors) – half time and full time updates.
- Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) – post-match reaction including a match report