Match Report: Boxing Day Derby Dewsbury Rams VS Batley Bulldogs
It was a tough first run out of the 2026 season for Paul March’s men in the Boxing Day clash with our close rivals Batley Bulldogs. Losing the game 18 – 0, after tries from Batley’s Joe Burton and Jack Hudson.
The Rams started the game with some strong, resilient defence against a very motivated Batley side. With some great try saving displays by Tom Delaney and Craig McShane keeping the Bulldogs away from the tryline.
But the pressure eventually took its toll with Batley’s Jack Hudson diving over the line off a cross-field kick. With the conversion being successfully taken by Josh Woods making the score 6-0 to the Bulldogs.
Luke Nelmes started to bring the Rams back into the game with some hard carries, moving the home-side up the field. But, as they failed to convert good ball positions, a penalty was given against Dewsbury for a late hit on the opposition kicker.
Which lead to a second Bulldogs try in the corner for winger Joseph Burton. The kick was successfully converted Josh Woods. Making the scoreline 12-0 to the away side.
The lads battled hard, fighting to gain possession against a resilient Batley defence. But when presented with opportunities the Rams failed to convert good attack into points on the board. Leading to more pressure in defence, but with more great tryline defence by George Rayner and Tom Delaney the Rams went into the break only 12 points behind their Heavy Woollen rivals.
The boys came out for the second half looking more confident, passing the ball around smoother, and going set for set with the Bulldogs. And with the opposition now beginning to make errors opportunities arose once again for the Rams.
With pressure building, Liam Copland nearly crashed over the line in the corner, but once again Batley’s defence held on well. Tackling Copland just short of the line keeping the Ram’s scoreless.
And as the lads tired, Batley grew more and more into the game.
Dewsbury stayed strong keeping the Bulldogs from adding to their tally until the final 10 minutes of the game. Where Joe Burton got his second try for the day. Which was once again converted by Josh Woods, making the scoreline 18-0.
It was an overall resilient defensive display for the Rams’, and a good 80 minutes in the tank for Paul March’s men. And the crowd were exceptional and turned out in large numbers for the historic Boxing Day derby.
We go again in 2026, with our first game of the New Year being a friendly against newly promoted to Super League side Bradford Bulls on the 10th of January at the Flair Stadium.
I’d be interested to know the attendance on Boxing Day. Probably the biggest crowd I’ve seen at a Rams game.