Challenge Cup first round: Batley Bulldogs stun Halifax as Dewsbury Rams bow out

Batley Bulldogs players celebrate their victory at Halifax yesterday. Picture: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

New signings proved influential for Bulldogs who won 19-6 at Halifax Panthers In their first competitive game for more than a year.

In another all-Championship tie, Rams gave a good account of themselves at Whitehaven, but were pipped 23-16 after the 12-man hosts pulled away in the closing stages.

The opening 29 minutes at the Shay were scoreless, but Batley’s Dale Morton broke the deadlock with a penalty goal and moments later he broke down the right before slipping out a pass to Jack Logan who raced away for a long-range try out of nothing.

Batley's Tom Gilmore in action against Halifax. Picture: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

Morton’s conversion made it 8-0 at half-time and nine minutes into the second period, former Hull man Kieran Buchanan made a fine take from a crossfield kick on the final tackle and fellow recruit Jodie Broughton was in support to touch down against his previous club.

Morton’s conversion attempt bounced away off an upright and Fax got back into the tie two minutes later when Matt Garside went over after Nick Rawsthorne flicked back Scott Grix’s kick and Connor Robinson added the extras.

Batley’s defence had to withstand a spell of pressure, but with 13 minutes left Ben Kaye emulated Broughton by scoring on debut against his previous club.

Morton’s goal edged Batley two converted tries ahead and Ben White sealed their win with a drop goal two minutes from time.

Batley Bulldogs' Jodie Broughton. Picture: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

In Saturday’s other first round ties, Leeds Rhinos academy product Tommy Brierley - who had a spell with Hunslet and was signed from Dewsbury - scored a try on his debut for Oldham in a 20-6 home win over Barrow Raiders.

Another ex-Leeds academy forward Tyler Dupree had a strong debut for Oldham and Raiders’ try was scored by former Yorkshire Carnegie rugby union man Ryan Shaw.

Keighley Cougars, of League One, battled hard, but were beaten 24-10 at London Broncos at Rosslyn Park.

Gideon Boafo, Jacob Jones, Sam Davis and Romain Navarrete, who was on loan at Wakefield Trinity last year, crossed for London who led 24-0 before Mo Agoro – another Leeds academy product – and forward Brendan Santi scored consolation tries for the visitors.