The Bulldogs battled hard against a powerful Featherstone Rovers side, and for long periods more than matched their big spending opponents in the season opener at The Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

Match Report by Luke Winner.

Batley got their season underway away hosting top 4 hopefuls Featherstone Rovers in an exciting physical game of rugby.

In the first half both sides showed their skill, with fast flowing ball play and well exercised kicks gaining equal field position.

The first try of the afternoon did come from the visitors with the former Toronto flyer Greg Worthington darting across. Dane Chisholm converted.

Craig Lingards men were soon set to even the scoreline through Lewis Galbraith seeing him latch onto a pin pointed kick from Danny Yates. Morton slotted over the conversion.

Alistair Leak followed in spectacular fashion placing the Bulldogs ahead coming from a swift break by Anthony Bowman who created the opportunity. Morton added the extras.

As half-time loomed Featherstone replied with Luke Briscoe scoring. Dane Chisholm converted.

HALF-TIME: Batley Bulldogs 12 – 12 Featherstone

Featherstone came out as they meant to go on in the second half, with halfback Dane Chisholm leaping onto the white wash twice, converting both his tries.

The hosts did hit back as new recruit Lucas Walshaw collected a delayed pass from Ben White to crash over. Dale Morton added the extras.

Once again Rovers star Dane Chisholm caused nothing but problems for the Bulldogs defence seeing Batley concede a penalty. Dane Chisholm opted for the two and converted.

In the final closing minutes Josh Hardcastle and former Batley player James Harrison extended their lead further. Dane Chisholm converted both.

FULL-TIME: Batley Bulldogs 18 – 38 Featherstone Rovers