Sharp pleased with Fev’s mental strength

Featherstone Rovers coach Jon Sharp was very pleased with the way his team showed good mental strength in beating Batley at the weekend.

The Bulldogs were last season’s suprise package in the Championship, reaching the Middle Eights, and have been expected to do well again this season.

But Rovers won 32-6 at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, and they are now joint top of the league, having won all three of their games so far.

“It was a really encouraging performance from us,” said Sharp.

“We are clearly a mentally-tough team, one which can cope with having a lot thrown at us.

“We were put under immense pressure by Batley and withstood everything they threw our way, in addition to being on the back of a 5-0 penalty count, early on, and having a man in the sin-bin.

“It was always going to be a very tough challenge, coming to Batley, so to win in the manner which we did was particularly pleasing.

“I am delighted to have another two points on the board. It was a superb performance from our boys.

“We knew Batley would come back at us in the second half and they certainly tried to.

“We remained resolute, however, and got the job done. The fans seemed to enjoy it too, so I am pleased for those guys.”