Finn and Middlehurst are Players of the Week

Featherstone Rovers scrum-half Liam Finn and North Wales Crusaders back row Gary Middlehurst are the Premier Sports Players of the Week.

Finn was at his creative best in Featherstone’s 23-8 win at title rivals Leigh Centurions, while Middlehurst scored a hat trick of tries as Kingstone Press Championship One leaders Crusaders beat Gloucestershire All Golds 66-4.

Both players record the maximum five points towards their respective competition’s Player of the Year award at the end of the season.

Every week each coach in the Championship and Championship One is contacted to help compile the Premier Sports awards.

Premier Sports Championship Player of the Week – Liam Finn (Featherstone Rovers)

Featherstone scrum-half Liam Finn produced an influential display as his side atoned for their Northern Rail Cup exit to Leigh by beating the Centurions in the Kingstone Press Championship.

Finn, a past Player of the Year at this level, led Rovers to a dominant second half performance after the sides were locked together at 6-6 at half-time.

Finn scored one try, made another, and finished with three goals and a drop goal in the 23-8 Featherstone win.

“Liam was the best player on the field,” Rovers coach Ryan Sheridan said.            

“We were playing with one half-back, and he dominated the game.”

Premier Sports Championship One Player of the Week – Gary Middlehurst (North Wales Crusaders)

Crusaders second row Gary Middlehurst scored a hat-trick in his side’s 66-4 win over Gloucestershire All Golds.

North Wales coach Clive Griffiths said: “He popped up all over the place against the All Golds.

“He’s got durability and a great desire to play every week. He enjoys playing the game and the challenges it throws up, and that’s something that’s rubbing off on the other lads.”

Griffiths added: “Gary gets on with his job and you know the opposition have got to watch him, which creates space for others. He helps with our attack, is solid in defence, and he’s very coachable.”