Dewsbury Rams 20 Batley Bulldogs 18
Dewsbury Rams defeated local rivals Batley Bulldogs on Sunday at the Summer Bash.
The Rams went into the fixture having not won since February. However, a draw against Halifax the week before meant spirits were high going into the game.
After a really tight first 14 minutes, it was Aaron Brown who opened the scoring for Dewsbury.
A sweeping move from left to right ended with Dom Speakman passing the ball to Brown, who dived over the line.
Paul Sykes converted the try to put the Rams 6-0 up.
The Rams showed some strong defence following the opening try. However, Batley drew level on the 32nd minute when James Harrison burst through Dewsbury’s defence to score.
Izaac Farrell converted to make it 6-6.
Batley took the lead on the stroke of half time through Reiss Butterworth. Farrell added the two points to send the sides into the break with the Bulldogs ahead 12-6.
The second half was only three minutes old when the Rams drew level through a terrific Sam Day try and Sykes conversion.
But the Bulldogs once again reclaimed the lead on the 48th minute. Farrell this time missing his kick, making the score 16-12 to Batley.
The Rams soon took the lead back though through Daniel Igbinedion.
A fantastic run from the Dewsbury man split the Batley defence wide open, and he went on to score the try. Sykes converted his kick to put the Rams 18-16 ahead.
Farrell drew the sides level just two minutes later after converting a penalty.
Sykes did the same on the 70th minute meaning the Rams held a narrow lead, and the Rams survived a nervy finish to secure a crucial two points.
Dewsbury have now beaten Batley three times out of four at the Summer Bash.
The Rams’ next fixture is at home to Featherstone on 10th June.
