Jowitt expects tough challenge

The Rams will make their first trip of the season to the Leigh Sporting Village on the back of last week’s impressive 30-10 victory over York City Knights, although Jowitt is anticipating a different challenge from the Lions.

He said: “Swinton are a very good side and have a good coach. The Leigh Sporting Village has a big pitch, which we will have to adapt to and it will be a tough challenge for us.

“It’s important that we go there and pick up the points but that is easier said than done and we will have to work hard and show the commitment we did against York.

“I keep saying it but our Northern Rail campaign was all geared up to the league season.

“I wanted to do well in the Northern Rail but I used that competition to get us ready for the league season and I’m sure it will pay dividends for us.”

Luke Blake, Ayden Faal, Dwayne Barker, Austin Buchanan and Billy Harris are carrying knocks but should have recovered for the trip to Swinton.

Jowitt was full of praise for Faal, who scored another two tries in the win over York.

Jowitt said: “Ayden has got to be one of the form centres in the league. I’m really pleased for him as he has worked hard in the last two years.

“He is playing with an injury. His wrist needs an operation but he is having painkilling injections each week and he is mentally tough and a good footballer.”

Jowitt is also searching for a forward to replace Nick Fozzard and has already made tentative enquiries.

The Royal Engineers division of The Army will be training at Tetley’s Stadium today (Friday) under the guidance of Jowitt. It is part of the partnership between Dewsbury and The Army, that saw the Rams spend a weekend training camp in Weymouth as part of their pre-season programme.

The Rams have confirmed their Carnegie Challenge Cup third round tie at home to National Conference Premier Division champions Thatto Heath Crusaders is on Sunday March 25 (3pm).

The draw in Whitehaven on Tuesday handed Jowitt’s men a tie against one of the best sides in the amateur game. Thatto Heath beat Siddal in last season’s Conference Grand Final and they opened the new campaign with a 44-22 win at Leigh East last Saturday.

n Dewsbury Rams supporters are running a coach to Sunday’s match against Swinton at Leigh Sporting Village.

It will leave Tetley’s Stadium at 11.45am and the bus station at noon. To book a seat contact Elsie on 01924 444407.