INJURIES again took a toll on Lions as they gave a battling performance against the National Summer Conference leaders.
Without six of the side that played against Bramley the week before, Lions found themselves 22-0 down before battling back to 22-12.


But injuries to key men Mark Tepper and Brian Sutton at a crucial time enabled Celtic to score two late tries for a flattering scoreline.
Byron Cooper was outstanding in the backs, well supported by Danny Giles and teenager Rich Frankland, playing out of position at stand-off. Veteran Simon Childs had his best game of the season and set a superb lead, followed by youngsters Danny Huby, Ben Smith and Sutton and Tepper before their injuries.


Lions got off to a bright start as a big hit by Cooper set the tone and the visitors twice went close before Celtic took a 12-0 lead with two tries in as many minutes. Smith, Huby, Childs and Sutton kept Celtic on the back foot but Lions' errors were to prove costly.
Graft
Huby showed a rare turn of pace before passing to Ben Hall, who was bundled into touch inches from the line. But two breaks out wide saw Celtic increase their lead to 22-0.
Some hard graft was eventually rewarded as Giles chipped over the defence, regathered and passed to Smith who raced over from 25 yards, Giles added the conversion to make it 22-6 at half-time.


Lions lost captain Tepper early in the second half, replaced by veteran Tony Smeaton who gave his all.
Dale Ferris and Cooper both had touchline tilts before good interplay led to Sutton going solo from 25 yards, Giles' conversion reduced the gap to ten points.


Smith made a try-saving tackle but Lions then lost Sutton with concussion and tiredness began to take its toll. Celtic cashed in to score two tries in three minutes to ensure victory.


Featherstone are at home to Dewsbury Celtic this weekend (2.30pm).
The Lions players and committee paid tribute to Nigel and Karen of Crystal Paints and Parts, Pontefract, for sponsoring their recent game with Bramley Buffaloes.
Lions: Ferris, Hinchcliffe, Thompson, Cooper, Hall, Frankland, Giles, Child, Wykes, Tepper, B. Smith, Huby, Sutton. Substitutes: Tuffs, Smithson, Barker, K. Smith.