Batley Bulldogs succumbed to a 13-12 defeat at the hands of Dewsbury Rams who completed a league double in the Heavy Woolen Derby.

Dewsbury opened the scoring through James Glover who kicked a penalty from close range under the sticks to take a 2-0 lead inside the opening five minutes.

Dom Brambani’s dangerous tackle earned himself ten minutes in the sin-bin and Dewsbury pressure began to mount.

Brambani returned and made an immediate impact after putting it on a plate for Danny Cowling to score from close range to put the Bulldogs head for the first time. Southernwood was unable to add the extras for Batley.

Soon after, a late tackle by Joel Farrell gave Dewsbury the opportunity to draw the game level with a penalty. Glover’s kick was successful and the game was all square on the half-hour mark.

Just before the break, an inventive assist by Sam Smeaton set free winger Wayne Reittie to score out wide for the Bulldogs. Southernwood pulled his kick wide but Batley were ahead once more.

HALF TIME: Batley Bulldogs 8-4 Dewsbury Rams.

Five minutes into the second half, the Bulldogs were over for a third time. James Harrison crashed over in the corner after a strong run to extend Batley’s lead. Southernwood was unable to add the extras on this occasion.

Dewsbury replied immediately after Brown ran from half way and powered his way over for the Rams. The extra points were added by Glover to bring Dewsbury back into the game.

Then, a break by Dewsbury had to be dealt with by Scott who kicked the ball dead. From the following set, Batley were penalised after Cowling was holding down. Dewsbury, from the penalty, leveled the scores through Glover’s penalty.

Dewsbury, on the hour mark, took the lead once more after Paul Sykes’ drop goal attempt was successful from close range.

Soon after, a last ditch try-saving tackle by Wayne Reittie on Glover kept Dewsbury’s advantage at just one point.

In a scrappy affair, Dewsbury entered the final ten minutes with a slender advantage.

Two opportunities for Brambani were squandered inside the final moments. A penalty was put wide before a drop-goal was also put wide.

With a minute to play, Southernwood’s attempted drop goal was well wide and Dewsbury held out to complete the league double over the Bulldogs.

FULL TIME: Batley 12-13 Dewsbury.