Match Report by Luke Winner.
Batley travelled to the LD Nutrition Stadium to face Featherstone Rovers in what was a gruelling Betfred Championship away fixture, losing 50 – 12.
The Bulldogs began their first set with some brilliant pressure, testing each part of their opponent’s line going close, but unable to make any potential break. However, despite the visitor’s early efforts Featherstone started the scoring with Shaun Robinson, who collected the ball from a quick fire of passes. Ridyard struggled with the conversion.
Batley’s frustration showed following Duffy’s men’s early try, which saw them leaking multiple penalties gaining the Rovers crucial yards. From the tap, the ball was spread wide to Luke Briscoe, scoring his 25th consecutive try this season for the hosts. Ridyard couldn’t convert.
Matt Diskin’s side struggled to gain any firm foot hold on the game, as the Rovers strong defence kept Batley pinned in their half. Gareth Hock and Josh Hardcastle finished the scoring in the first half, after managing to squeeze through a tough Bulldogs line. Ridyard converted one out of the two.
HALF-TIME: Featherstone Rovers 18 – 0 Batley Bulldogs
Batley got the second half underway, and once again the hosts started as strong as they finished the first half with Shaun Robinson completing his second of the day. Ridyard couldn’t convert.
Lewis Galbraith soon responded hard, breaking down the left edge to then fire the ball straight into Dave Scott’s hands to finish off some fantastic play. Farrell converted.
The Bulldogs response was soon replied to though with Tom Holmes scoring twice and Joshua Walters as well as Shaun Robinson following deepening the Rovers lead even further. Ridyard converted three out of the four.
Dominic Brambani scored the final try for the Bulldogs, after completing a show and go move. Farrell added the extras.
Josh Hardcastle reaffirmed his team’s stance, declaring what was a tough Betfred Championship game for the visitors. Ridyard converted; teaching the Bulldogs a harsh lesson.
FULL-TIME: Featherstone Rovers 50 – 12 Batley Bulldogs.
Featherstone Xlll – Tom Holmes, Luke Briscoe, Joshua Hardcastle, Misi Taulapa, Shaun Robinson, Martyn Ridyard, Jordan Ridyard, Jordan Lilley, Scott Wheeldon, Keal Carlile, Mitch Clark, Connor Farrell, Joshua Walters and Richard Moore.
Interchanges – Matty Wilde, Gareth Hock, Sam Brookes and Nathaniel Peteru.
Batley Xlll – Dave Scott, Shaun Ainscough, Sam Smeaton, Lewis Galbraith, Jason Crookes, Izaac Farrell, Dominic Brambani, Tommy Holland, Alistair Leak, Alex Rowe, James Harrison, Brad Day and Dane Manning.
Interchanges – Michael Ward, James Davey, Joel Farrell and James Brown.