Batley Bulldogs 24

BATLEY produced a spirited effort in the south of France on a sweltering Saturday evening but Toulouse had just enough to secure victory in this Co-operative Championship clash.

The biggest away following for a league game in Toulouse this season – around 200 in a crowd of 2,176 –saw a tense and tight first half end 12-12.

The Bulldogs could have been ahead if Danny Maun and then Ian Preece had not had scores ruled out for forward passes before two quick tries after the break saw the hosts take charge.

Another score gave them what appeared an unassailable 30-12 lead but Batley roared back to within six points before Toulouse sealed victory four minutes from time when a Nathan Wynn penalty gave them an eight-point cushion.

It was a gallant effort by the Bulldogs, buoyed by the victories over Whitehaven and Widnes, and shows they had made good progress since the hammering by Toulouse at Mount Pleasant two months ago.