Batley Boys begin Premier title defence with hard fought win over All Blacks

The Boys maintained their impressive form which had seen them reach the Challenge Cup third round and were grateful to a man-of-the-match performance from Adam Bingham as the stand-off’s personal tally of 12 points helped the Boys collect the two points in awful conditions.

The Boys started off strongly with Gavin Davies, Aaron James, Sean Sheard, Lewis Hardy and Jordan Brown laying the platform in the forwards for Bingham, Luke Sheridan and Ryan Crossley to create good attacks in the half-back department.

Bingham set up his own try with a wonderful step to score between the posts and he added the goal.

Batley introduced substitutes, including Richard Lawley, Anthony Kellett and Ben Denville, who added grit to a strong defence as the home side kept New Earswick at bay for the opening 40 minutes and the Boys held a 6-0 advantage at half-time

Batley started off the second half on top as Dan Scales, along with backs Josh Whitehead and Nathan Williams saw plenty of action, with support from Damon Fletcher and Josh Ritcher.

Josh Scruton added another Batley try in the corner and Bingham landed a terrific touchline conversion to stretch the lead.

New Earswick finally got over the line before Adam Bingham added a late penalty goal to seal the Boys win, which saw all 17 players produce impressive efforts in support of MoM Bingham.

The Boys travel to Siddal Academy this Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

Batley Boys DMR visit Stanningley Academy tomorrow night (Friday, 7.30pm) in YML Alliance Division Two.

Birstall Victoria have re-entered the Yorkshire Men’s League this season and they earned a 22-18 friendly victory over Bentley A last week.

The Vic are in Division Two and begin their campaign with a trip to Crigglestone All Blacks on Saturday.