Match Report by Luke Winner.
Featherstone Rovers, proved too strong for the Bulldogs as they continued their winning streak in the Betfred Championship, with Batley falling 14 – 40.
It was a valiant start from the Bulldogs, placing the visitors under plenty of pressure as they struggled to cope with a fierce flowing attack. Both Alex Rowe and Michael Ward led Matt Diskin’s men down the slope adding valuable yards. Dave Scott soon took advantage dancing around multiple Rovers defenders racing to score. Walker didn’t miss the conversion. Batley 6 – 0 Featherstone.
Batley’s offence grew and grew with their defence staying impenetrable, disallowing any potential tries. Once again, after a succession of passes, Dave Scott performed almost the same try minutes earlier, speeding over the line again. Walker added the extras.
Duffys’ men made sure they weren’t going to be silenced too soon, with James Lockwood going over for the visitors after multiple penalties put them in some good field position. Ridyard converted.
Frustration soon grew after Featherstone’s try, seeing Jason Crookes being sent to the bin. Luke Briscoe swiftly acted on Batley being a man down, making an impressive break to score. Ridyard this time missed the conversion.
Just before the hooter sounded, Patrick Walker slotted over a penalty goal; bringing the half-time score to: Batley Bulldogs 14 – 10 Featherstone Rovers.
Rovers began the second half with vengeance, tugging away at the Batley defence constantly, trying to find a weak point. Soon after Ridyard successfully kicked a 40/20 with Harry Newman collecting the spoils. Ridyard added the extras.
After the visitor’s first try in the second half, they were firing on all cylinders as Luke Briscoe and former bulldog Tom Holmes extended their lead further. Ridyard converted one out of the two. Batley 14 – 28 Featherstone ..
Despite John Duffys’ men taking the lead, Batley still caused trouble forcing a various amount of errors along their line. A beautiful kick from Dominic Brambani pinned the visitors in their half, however nothing came of their hard work.
Matthew Wildie scored the final try of the day, running 50 metres after a 20m tap as Alistair Leak was deemed to be held back from the oppositions line. Ridyard added the conversion.
Full-time: Batley Bulldogs 14 – 40 Featherstone Rovers.
Batley Xlll – Dave Scott, Keenan Tomlinson, Danny Cowling, Lewis Galbraith, Jason Cookes, Patrick Walker, Izaac Farrell, Alex Rowe, Alistair Leak, Michael Ward, Sam Smeaton, James Harrison and Joe Chandler.
Interchange – Dominic Brambani, James Brown, James Davey and Tom Holland.
Featherstone Xlll – Tom Holmes, Luke Briscoe, Joshua Hardcastle, Harry Newman, Shaun Robinson, Martyn ridyard, Luke Cooper, Brad Knowles, Keal Carlie, Mitchell Clark, Connor Farrell, John Davis and James Lockwood.
Interchanges – Matthew carlie, Samuel Brookes, Frankie Mariano and Jack Ormondroyd.