Batley Bulldogs moved into the K2 Yorkshire Cup Semi-Finals with a hard fought victory over Hunslet, in a tough game at Odsal Stadium.
Both sides were reduced to 12 men early on as Richard Moore (Hunslet) Joe Taira (Batley) were shown red cards for violent conduct after an off the ball clash. The opening quarter was tight with Hunslet having much of the ball but beung unable to break down a resolute Batley defence.
Sam Wood opened the scoring for The Bulldogs after a smart interchange, James Brown charged over from short range soon after before Wood added his secon of the day. Louis Jouffret and Adam Gledhill added further scores, with Scott converting 2 to give Matt Diskin’s men a 26-0 half time lead.
The second half was a close affair with defences on top until a rampaging break from trialist Paul Brearley extended the lead and within minutes the impressive Keenen Tomlinson completed the try scoring in the corner, Dave Scott added a magnificent conversion and The Bulldogs sealed a 36-0 win.
Batley will now face York City Knights at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium in the Semi-Finals on Sunday 13th January, 2pm.
Today’s other victors, Bradford Bulls will entertain Dewsbury Rams at Odsal, Saturday 12th January at 5.30pm
The remaining clubs will play a double header at the LD Nutrition Stadium, Featherstone on Saturday with Rovers taking on Hunslet Parkside at 1pm, and Halifax v Hunslet at 3pm