Batley Bulldogs back on track after keeping Vikings scoreless in second half

James Ford’s men ran out 46-10 winners thanks to a strong all-round second half display when they ran in five unanswered tries.

They were ahead from the eighth minute when Robson Stevens powered over for the first try, which was converted by Josh Woods who had kicking duties this week.

Goole hit back through winger Connor Barley, with Callum Rutland converting, but Batley were back ahead when Akim Matvejev went over for his first try for the club and Woods tagged on the extras.

Back came the Vikings again with Australian outside back Cooper Howlett touching down, but they remained behind with the conversion unsuccessful and were to never get closer than this for the rest of the game.

The Bulldogs opened up an 18-10 half-time lead after Ben Reynolds finished a superb long range move and Woods kicked his third goal.

They started the second half as they ended the first as within a minute Dane Manning had crossed for their fourth try of the afternoon, with Woods again goaling.

Goole dug in for a spell, but it was effectively all over once Reynolds collected his second try on 53 minutes following some slick play and Woods landed his fifth goal.

Full-back Robbie Butterworth was next to go over after he evaded two Vikings defenders near the line.

Another good move followed with Oliver Greensmith finishing well to stretch the lead further.

And Batley completed the scoring a minute from the end when after making some strong yards down field Jack Hudson collected a great pass to race over. Woods’ seventh conversion rounded off a great day’s work when they had shown some fine attacking ability and managed to keep their opponents scoreless for the entire second half.

The result and fourth league win of the season lifted the Bulldogs up to 11th place in the Championship.