Govin boosts ranks as Batley Bulldogs eye cup semi-final
BATLEY Bulldogs will have newcomer Mick Govin in the squad as they bid for another Northern Rail Cup semi-final when they meet Sheffield Eagles at Mount Pleasant on Sunday (3pm).
Govin has joined the Bulldogs to the end of the season, having played for Whitehaven and Swinton Lions this time.
The Bulldogs took the precaution of checking that he would be eligible for Sunday's quarter-final, mindful of the fact he appeared in a Northern Rail group game for the Cumbrians, and very much aware of the disqualification of Halifax from the Challenge Cup for playing someone, who had appeared in a previous round for another club.
However, Northern Rail rules are different to the Challenge Cup and group games are regarded as different to the knockout stages, so the Rugby Football -League have ruled that Govin can play.
It is also hoped form prop Sean Hesketh will be fit after having a hospital check when he was flattened in last Saturday's game against a huge Catalans' side. He was given the all-clear but will need checks before Sunday's game.
Hesketh has been one of the most consistent players this time and his absence would be a blow.
Full-back Jonny Campbell was also being watched closely this week after being the victim of an incident which was put on report.
It is also hoped winger Alex Brown will be fit to add to the squad which has been hard pressed with some big games in the last two-and-a-half weeks.
Batley were in the Northern Rail semi-final two years ago, when it was felt they blew an excellent chance of a final appearance, losing at home to Doncaster 21-12.
Batley were beaten 22-12 in the league at Sheffield three weeks ago, conceding two late converted tries after they had led 12-0.
Sheffield have a habit of doing well against the Bulldogs but this seems a good chance for the Mount Pleasant side to make progress and perhaps gain another profitable home draw in the semi-finals.
Bulldogs' chairman Kevin Nicholas has expressed his gratitude to local people who rallied round for last weekend's Challenge Cup tie. He added: "To have an attendance of more than 2,100 on such a wretched day was a great tribute to local people and I would like to give a massive vote of thanks to those who came to support us.
"Our cheap offer to season ticket holders of other clubs also helped a great deal and there were a number of jerseys from other clubs on show.
"We did extremely well in the bars and food outlets and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. On the field we did well for 57 minutes and then collapsed in the last quarter when fitness and size told against us.
"We just hope we can give the fans something to cheer on Sunday, although having to play quarter-finals on successive weekends is demanding but we are in with a chance of reaching the final at Blackpool."
The other disappointment last Sunday was that the French contingent left straight after the game. Their players did not go to the bar under the Glen Tomlinson stand for the post-match refreshments and officials did not show up in the vice-president's lounge. It meant young supporters in particular were unable to get autographs of players they would not normally see.
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Weather for Batley
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
