Batley Bulldogs seal derby win over Dewsbury Rams

During the second half Dewsbury's Ayden Faal was carried off and taken to hospital for checks on a neck injury, while Batley's Adam Scott was due to have an x-ray after fracturing a cheekbone.

After a tight first quarter, Batley took the lead in the 21st minute when Gareth Moore collected a Ben Black grubber to dive over for a try and then add the goal.

Seven minutes later neat handling saw Jason Walton dive over wide on the right for a try to put the hosts 10-0 ahead at the break.

Dewsbury had grafted hard without reward but at the start of the second half they pounced on a Batley error and good passing saw James Craven race in at the left corner to touch down.

There was a seven-minute delay as Faal received treatment before Batley extended the lead to 16-4 after 49 minutes when Moore followed up his kick to the Dewsbury line. Austin Buchanan sliced his clearance and Moore rose to catch the ball and score a try before adding the goal.

Moore added a penalty 10 minutes later but Dewsbury were always a threat and their good play brought a try 11 minutes from time as George Flanagan burrowed over. Patch Walker converted.

Five minutes later Buchanan raced down the left flank and looped a pass inside to Cain Southernwood who dived over. Walker added the goal to set up a thrilling finish but Batley held on to win.

Batley coach John Kear said: "It was a good team performance. That was more like the Batley I expect and it was a good win."

Dewsbury coach Warren Jowitt added: "I thought both teams played well and a freak try probably cost us. The boys are digging deep. When they go behind they keep plugging away and that's what got us within striking distance of winning the game."