Derby delight but Thornton warns 'hard work ahead'
By Trevor Watson BATLEY coach Gary Thornton has expressed his satisfaction at the Bulldogs' Boxing Day win over neighbours Dewsbury Rams but warned there is plenty of hard work ahead.
There is a worry regarding Johnny Campbell, who had an exciting game at full-back, but took a knock on a knee and a check was being made later this week.
Campbell was switched from the wing because Ian Preece was ill and another youngster, Nathan Brown, was given a chance.
Thornton explained: "Ian rang to warn me on Christmas Day that he wasn't well and might not make it.
"He turned up for the game but it was clear he was in no state to play and we didn't hesitate to rule him out. Nat Brown came in and that meant we were using all the 18 players we had available."
Thornton praised Campbell for his performance and said: "He looked electric at times, he ran the ball back well and was always a threat. If he stays fit he'll be a revelation for us this season.
Thornton went on: "Considering the amount of time we had spent on the field with the ball we adapted pretty well. The biggest plus was how fit the lads were and I was impressed with our pace. All the side looked quick.
"On the other hand we conceded some very soft tries and we certainly need to be more clinical with our finishing. We still have a lot of work to do, we are miles away from where we want to be.
"At least, I was pleased for the fans, they saw us win the derby game and that's always a nice lift at any time of the year."
"George Flanagan had a cracking debut with his three tries and looked just as dangerous and eager as he did when we saw him in Bradford's reserves.
"Ben Feehan also looked good, in fact all the threequarters were very sharp and Danny Maun was again strong and quick.
"Chris Buttery had only trained once with us but I was impressed with the way he fitted in. He scored a good try and defended well. Among the forwards I felt Byron Smith had a tremendous game. We can only hope he maintains that form.
"This is also the best pre-season Mark Toohey has had for a long time and he looked all the better for it. He can be a key man for us this season."
The Bulldogs had four newcomers on duty in Buttery and forwards David Tootill, Nathan Armitage and Flanagan, while teenager Brown made two appearances early last season and then went on loan to Hunslet Hawks.
The squad have three weeks before their next pre-season game and will now be having more outside work, developing ball skills and working specific drills with a view to forming game plans.
There will also be more running to further sharpen the players, although Thornton stressed it was important they also continued with the gym work, which has gone so well in the new set-up at Mount Pleasant with their own gymnasium these days.
Thornton remarked: "It was nice to see the players smiling after a game. Last year we didn't play well and were well beaten.
"This is a new team and still developing but there were some very promising signs so long as we put the hard work in."
The attendance of 2,159 was slightly down on the last two games at Batley but was still encouraging for both clubs, who share the gate.
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Weather for Batley
Sunday 05 February 2012
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