06/09/2025  

   NCL DIVISION 3 PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 

Featherstone Lions’ 2025 National Conference League Division 3 campaign came to an end with a 24–12 defeat against Bentley ARLFC in the Play-Off Semi-Final, played at Bentley Pavilion on Saturday 6 September 2025.

The Lions entered the contest full of belief following a vastly improved season and once again showed they were more than capable of competing with the league’s strongest side. Bentley, who went on to reach the Division 3 Play-Off Final, proved clinical at key moments, but Featherstone never stopped battling.

The Lions showed real resilience and attacking intent throughout the game, with Ash Allman-Brooke crossing for a try to keep Featherstone firmly in the contest. Despite trailing, the Lions continued to work hard both in defence and attack, refusing to let the game slip away without a fight.

While disappointment was inevitable at coming so close to extending their play-off run, this result should not overshadow what has been a massive step forward for Featherstone Lions in 2025. After recent rebuilding seasons, the Lions have shown clear progress, pushing the division’s top side in both league and play-off encounters.

Competing in a play-off semi-final, matching a league-leading outfit for long periods, and finishing the season with momentum represents a huge improvement and underlines how far the club has come.

Although the result did not go their way on the day, the Lions can take great pride in their efforts and the direction the club is heading. The foundations laid during the 2025 season provide real optimism as the rebuild continues and the club looks ahead with confidence.