Bulldogs storm back to seal cup success
Keighley Cougars 16
Batley Bulldogs 22
BATLEY produced a storming late rally in a lively game at Cougar Park to score three tries and gain an impressive opening win in the Northern Rail Cup group over a strong and experienced Keighley side.
The Bulldogs trailed 16-4 after 47 minutes but tightened ranks so well that they did not concede a point from that stage and swept to victory in a dominant last quarter as they finished with five tries to three in a deserved success.
The way to victory was steered by scrum-half Ben Black, one of seven players making their competitive debut, as the squad now seek to link with each other.
There were good displays from substitutes Ash Lindsay, Gareth Moore and the promising Alex Walmsley as the Bulldogs showed great spirit.
The Bulldogs were the better side in the opening stages and it was no surprise when they took the lead. Jason Walton, playing at centre, lost the ball backwards and Tom Henderson was alert to things and dived over for the try. He failed at goal.
It wouldn’t be Batley if they did not retain one of their old failings and they promptly knocked on from the restart to give the home side a good position. The Cougars used it well and good hands saw Jason Demetriou crash over from close range with Danny Jones adding the goal.
The score lifted Keighley and Batley had to work hard on defence to keep them out. Eventually the Bulldogs’ resistance was broken when a long pass by Jones sent Richie Barnett over unopposed at the corner. Jones failed at goal and Keighley led 10-4 at the break.
Things looked grim for Batley when Keighley pressure at the start of the second half led to James Feather darting over and the goal by Jones made it 16-4.
But the Bulldogs gave themselves a lift when good hands by Black sent Gareth Potts into space and he also judged his pass well to send Johnny Walker through and he showed good pace for the try. Moore failed with the kick but Batley had hopes.
It was nip and tuck for a while but the Batley forwards began to make their presence felt with some good, direct running.
They paved the way for Black to produce the goods and his well-timed pass sent Danny Maun through for Batley’s third try, again Moore failed with the kick but the impetus was very much with the Bulldogs as they now dominated.
They piled on the pressure and another good pass from Black sent big Mark Applegarth charging over to level matters. Moore kept his cool and landed the vital goal to nudge the Bulldogs ahead.
There was no question of hanging on and Batley again came back strongly. The pack gained the position for Black to put up a high ball which was fumbled by Barnett and Potts pounced for the try to clinch matters.
There was no goal but Batley had got their season off to an encouraging start. Hopefully there is more to come from this new-look Batley side and there is no doubting their spirit.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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