Andrew Vause

2 Aussie coaches to my knowledge Steve's Martin and Simms. Ian Fairhurst was from the other side of the pennines.

Thank You Robin.

If I may say a few words about Andy Kain. As a kid he was exceptional at RU RL and soccer. He played I believe for the Leeds Rhinos academy as a kid but things didn't workout Andy more than anybody knows why that was. As a Featherstone Rovers player he was exceptional, signed on loan from Widnes half way through 2007 he was the impetus that was needed to help Featherstone gain promotion that season. Andy's form took a dip in 2008 so much so that on a warm Sunday afternoon Andy, was walking with then wife and baby outside Halton Stadium when PJT and myself caught up with him. He told us that he'd played his last game for Rovers (The then Rovers coach Jon Sharp had been trying Thackeray in Andy's position, talk about life coming full circle) and would be leaving. I and I'm sure many others are so glad that this didn't happen and Andy gave some of the finest service of anyone who has worn those famous colours for the following 6 years. I have seen most of the Featherstone players since 1974 and though it wasn't in the top division Andy Kain is for me one of the best players of the championship in the summer era. An absolute nutter of a bloke off the field often in a nice way, sometimes he'd maybe let himself down. He always had time to speak though and he was great with the kids that came to the game and moreover he gave his best every time he stepped onto that field. Highlights for me were Andy's break down the right flank to set Tim Spears up for the opening try in the grand final. A fabulous 50 yard try v champions elect Salford in 2008 at POR. Going around his cousin Stuart at Full back and waving to him as he did this. Maybe not a highlight to be proud of but he once laid Stuart Donlan out, I have never seen someone throw 5 punches in such rapid succession. Lastly his tackling. His tackling was classic around the leg tackling, he brought many a full flowing forward down with his perfect technique. There was occasions when he was off colour like every player and he'd throw the odd pass that was intercepted, but for me he gave fantastic service and entertainment over the years I would like to thank him for that. All the best Kainy, keep out of trouble mate.

In recent years the cup is different. Rovers did phenomenally well to beat a poor poor Cas side in 12. Rovers were outstanding that day 17 heroes. They kept with Wigan for 60 minutes a few weeks later but it was a bridge too far. I remember the most impressive Rovers Challenge cup game for many years was the class of 2010 team taking eventual winners Warrington so close at Halliwell Jones. After an hour Rovers had them on the rack but full time fitness told in the end. That is the difference now and that's why the gulf was seen in middle 8s.

Best game in terms of beating a fancied opposition with sheer brilliance was Leeds in 1976 CC 3rd round. Something like 33-7 v Leeds at PR. Fev had already beaten a fancied Wakey and HKR at PR in the run. Fev were irresistible that day, the crowd chanting 'easy' to the Leeds following after 20 mins that day.

Happy New Year everyone. Why can't they just leave the game alone. 21 years of tinkering as brought us no further along with progress. Instead of fat Boy Wood worrying about the backs retiring 10 meters, why doesn't he do something that will staunch the flow of teams going to the wall. Merry Christmas for next year all.

Tis I

To get the RL action people back you'd have to thaw out Keith Macklin.

Wayne McHugh and Bryn Powell did ok.

If you mean his second try he was running wide in a left centre channel in the classic 2nd row position. He beat Keith Bridges a 5ft 9 bald headed hooker not Steve Evans a 6ft 2 with wavy brown haired centre with a moustache.Both tries were vital. The first being an outside burst from short range on a dummy scissors penalty move with the would be tackler being Paul Prendiville.

No, but everyone on the forum knows who it is!

So sad to hear of Steve's passing. Thank you Steve for giving me and many others our greatest sporting moment. Not only a reliable loyal clubman a thoroughly nice man. I remember we were beaten by a 2nd division Salford in the preliminary round of the challenge cup. It was an extremely bitterly cold midweek night at the Willows in early 85. Our coach was stranded in the mud we couldn't get home but the players allowed us to travel home on their coach. I sat next to Steve all way home he was a fantastic gent and made this then very awestruck 18 year old very happy. You will never be forgotten Steve RIP.

Yeah, check the rubbish the gurnard wrote about Rovers' 86 Halifax game http://www.theguardian.com/sport/no-helmets-required/2016/mar/23/featherstone-rovers-championship-table

You're welcome mate.

The blonde haired winger was Kevin Meadows who was also the winger marking John Marsden in the St.Helens quarter final in 83.