Batley Bulldogs came close to pulling off a surprise victory at Sheffield Eagles, but were unable to hold onto a 12-point lead as they ended their season with play-off eliminator defeat at the the MEPS International Home of Football Stadium.

James Ford’s men put up a fantastic effort against opponents who finished three places above them in the Betfred Championship table and looked set for victory as they led 10-4 at half-time and extended that advantage to 16-4 early in the second half.

But Sheffield, who had won their previous seven home games and are coached by Batley legend Craig Lingard, fired back to clinch a 25-16 victory to advance to the next round of the end of season play-offs.

For Batley their campaign is now over and they can reflect on a mixed season in which they offered some promise, but were unable to beat any of the Championship’s big boys.

Ben Reynolds kicked three goals in Batley Bulldogs' defeat at Sheffield Eagles in the Championship play-offs. Picture: Rob Hare

placeholder image — Ben Reynolds kicked three goals in Batley Bulldogs' defeat at Sheffield Eagles in the Championship play-offs. Picture: Rob Hare

They had a point to prove against the Eagles and started superbly with Ollie Greensmith latching onto a Ben Reynolds kick in the eighth minute to get the ball down over the line for the opening try. Reynolds then added the conversion.

Back came the hosts with Joe Brown going over wide out, but the conversion was missed to leave them two points behind.

Both sides then traded sets with good field position not being able to be turned into points until the 29th minute when Mitch Beedle came up with a powerful run to cross for the visitors’ second try.

Reynolds was unable to add the goal this time, but Batley held onto their 10-4 lead until the break.

Ben White was one of Batley Bulldogs' three try scorers in their play-off game against Sheffield Eagles. Picture: Rob Hare

They then started the second half as they had the first with an outstanding first set leading to a try as Ben White went over. Reynolds tagged on the extras and at 16-4 the Bulldogs had given themselves a great chance of making it through to the next round.

However, their opponents were quick to respond when six minutes later former Super League player George Griffin battled his way over for a try that went unconverted.

And they were over again soon after with quick passing out wide sending Billy Walkley over in the corner.

Now it was the Bulldogs’ turn to respond and they nudged 18-12 in front when Reynolds landed a penalty goal.

Head coach James Ford has come to the end of his first season in charge of Batley Bulldogs. Picture: Rob Hare

They held the lead until the final 15 minutes when the Eagles came up with a crucial try as Kieran Gill powered over and Kai Morgan converted.

It was all to play for now, but the hosts scored to go in front when winger Brown scooted over for his second try.

Morgan tagged on the extras and late on Jordan Abdull made sure of the Eagles’ victory with a drop-goal.

Sheffield Eagles: Morgan; Brown, Oakes, Gill, Walkley; Ellis, Abdull; Matongo, Johnson, Reilly, Hodson, Bussey, Griffin. Subs: Butterworth, Broadbent, Bowes, Peachey.

Tries: Brown, Griffin, Walkley, Gill, Brown. Goals: Morgan 2. Drop-goal: Abdull.

Batley Bulldogs: Butterworth; Burton, Olpherts, Greensmith, Hudson; Reynolds, Beedle; Kirk, Parsons, Stevens, Manning, Flynn, Hodgson. Subs: Leak, Dixon, Walshaw, White.

Tries: Greensmith, Beedle, White. Goals: Reynolds 3.