Boys secure crucial win to put rivals under pressure

Batley Boys continued their quest to close in on the Pennine League Championship One promotion chasers with a 44-30 win at Birkenshaw.
Tough Tackle: The Birkenshaw defence get to grips with Batley Boys man of the match Malcolm Kellett. Picture: Paul ButterfieldTough Tackle: The Birkenshaw defence get to grips with Batley Boys man of the match Malcolm Kellett. Picture: Paul Butterfield
Tough Tackle: The Birkenshaw defence get to grips with Batley Boys man of the match Malcolm Kellett. Picture: Paul Butterfield

The Boys were determined to prove a point after the previous meetings between the two sides this season but it was Birkenshaw who struck first with a converted try after 10 minutes.

Malcolm Kellett hit back for Batley when he broke through six defenders with a strong run to score a brilliant try, which levelled matters.

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The Boys were playing some good rugby and were rewarded with a try from Johnny Stainburn, followed by two more from Rob Garforth, as the visitors raced into a 22-6 lead at half-time.

Birkenshaw continued to struggle with the fast pace and strong running Gav Davis and Tom Dransfield at the start of the second half.

Birkenshaw’s frustration saw two players sin-binned and Batley took full advantage as Garforth completed his hat-trick and extended the Boys’ lead to 28-6.

Batley then sat back and Birkenshaw responded with three quick tries, reducing the deficit to 28-18.

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Batley regained their composure and replied with a fine individual try from Adam Bingham as he broke from acting half-back and raced 40 yards to score between the posts.

Batley went on to make the game safe with further tries from Joshua Whitehead and Aaron James before Garforth added his fourth try of the match in the final minute.

Batley Boys man-of-the- match went to Malcolm Kellett, closely followed by Garforth, for his brilliant four tries. Matthew Sheridan was also in the running after an impressive display in organising the team, as they picked up a sixth win of the Championship One season.

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