Batley Bulldogs coach Matt Diskin believes his side were desperately unlucky to leave The Shay pointless after they produced a terrific second half fight back.
The Heavy Woollen Under-23s came through an encouraging pre tour friendly as they defeated a resilient British Asian Rugby League (BARA) side 34-6 at Dewsbury Moor last Sunday.
Thornhill Trojans were dealt a harsh lesson about what life in the National Conference Premier Division is going to be like as a disappointing showing against Rochdale Mayfield saw them crash out of the Challenge Cup after a 30-20 defeat.
Batley Bulldogs will aim to hit the ground running when they welcome Barrow Raiders to Fox’s Biscuits Stadium for the opening Betfred Championship game of the season on Sunday.
Thornhill Trojans will entertain Rochdale Mayfield in the Coral Challenge Cup second round, while Dewsbury Moor face a trip to East Leeds, with the ties to be played over the weekend of February 9 and 10.
Dewsbury Moor produced a terrific display to send Humberside outfit Skirlaugh crashing out of the Coral Challenge Cup with a 24-10 victory last Saturday.