Batley Boys work hard to earn deserved draw

Pennine League Championship One action from Batley Boys against Newsome Panthers at Halifax Road last Saturday.

Newsome unlocked the Boys’ defence to score the first try but Batley hit back when good running from Gavin Davis and Nathan Lumb led to Adam Bingham crossing and his conversion edged the home side 6-4 ahead.

Good attacking work from Newsome and a lapse in defence saw the Panthers score a second unconverted try to lead 8-6 at half-time.

Batley worked hard in attack after the break, making good ground with Rob Garforth and Josh Whitehead driving them forward.

A lack in composure from Batley led to them conceding numerous penalties, which allowed Newsome to relieve the pressure.

Batley did regain the lead when another dangerous attack ended with Mark Grayshon crashing over next to the posts and Bingham added the simple conversion.

Newsome replied with another unconverted try as the game ended all square at 12-12.

Top Tackler was Aaron James followed by Gavin Davis and Richard Moody.

Victory leaves Batley fourth in the revamped Championship One division, with four points from five games and they travel to lowly Brotherton Bulldogs on Saturday.

Shaw Cross Sharks moved up to fifth place in Pennine Division Two following an impressive 38-14 victory over Wibsey Warriors.

The Sharks will be looking to improve on that win and climb the table further when they travel to bottom side Wyke on Saturday.

Wyke remain rooted to the foot of the table after they slipped to a fifth straight defeat last week, going down 26-10 at Kellingley Welfare.

Dewsbury Celtic picked up their first win of the season in Division Four, edging out Farnley Falcons 30-28 in a thriller at Crow Nest Park.

Celtic remain on minus two points following points deductions earlier in the season but they will be looking to build on their win when they visit Dearne Valley Bulldogs on Saturday.

Hanging Heaton slipped to fourth place in Division Five and are four points behind leaders Ovenden after they suffered a 50-18 defeat at lowly Slaithwaite.

Heaton have the chance to bounce back and close the gap at the top when they visit Ovenden on Saturday.

Wyke A suffered a 20-0 defeat at home to Odsal Sedbergh A in Division Six West but they will aim to bounce back when they travel to Boothtown Terriers A, who are below them in the table.