The Bulldogs picked up their first win of the campaign, thanks to tries from Lewis Galbraith (2) and Wayne Reittie, in a scrappy encounter against Rochdale Hornets.

Match Report by Luke Winner.

Matt Diskins side recorded their first win in the Betfred Championship as they faced off Rochdale Hornets in a 18 – 12 win

It was a good first showing from the Bulldogs as they marched their way straight up the hill from kick off. Former Hornets player Lewis Galbraith was the first player to score, with some smart play along the edge placing him over in the corner. David Scott didn’t miss the kick.

Lewis Galbraith showed no sign of slowing down soon as he quickly snapped up a brace, seeing the ball being shipped right to left for a stunning finish on the line. David Scott once again converted.

Rochdale did manage to get on the scoresheet before the first half was called with Adam Lawton making his way across following on from a penalty leaked during a breakdown in the middle. Daniel Abram converted.

HALF-TIME sounded and Batley held a lead of 12 – 6 against the Hornets.

Batley extended their lead further in the second half ensuring that the hosts needed at least one try and two conversions to make the scores level. David Scott added the penalty goal from in front.

Diskins men were soon to add more points on their tally as Dominic Brambani placed a kick near the corner that had seen Alistair Leak being the quickest to the ball, passing out to Sam Wood who created the overlap for Wayne Reittie to race over. David Scott couldn’t convert.

Rochdale had the last say during the second half, with a quick succession of sets placing them in great field position. Lee Mitchell was the player score for the visitors. Daniel Abram converted.

FULL-TIME: Batley Bulldogs 18 – 12 Rochdale Hornets

Batley Xlll – David Scott, Wayne Reittie, Sam Wood, Sam Smeaton, Lewis Galbraith, Danny Yates, Dominic Brambani, Adam Gledhill, Alistair Leak, Tony Everett, Dane Manning, Jack Downs and James Brown.

Interchange – Tom Hemmingway, Joe Taira, Tom Lilleycrop and Lewis Bienek

Rochdale Xlll – Daniel Abram, Shaun Ainscough, Shaun Case, Patrick Flynn, Brandon Wood, Tyler Whittaker, Stuart Howarth, Carl Forester, Scott Moore, Sitaleki Akoula, Michael Wheldon, Lee Mitchel and Matthew Davis.

Interchange – Patrick Moran, Adam Lawton, Liam Carberry, Ellis Gillam.