Batley Bulldogs supporters group enjoy end-of-season social evening

Hosted by fans group BISSA (Batley Independent Supporters’ Squadbuilder Association) in the Brian Cooney Suite of the ground, the focal point of the evening was an assessment of the 2026 season ahead of Batley’s play-off eliminator at Sheffield Eagles, which the South Yorkshire side won on Sunday.

The night also saw an exploration of future plans for the club through a question-and-answer session with the Bulldogs’ head coach, James Ford, assistant coach, Paul Couch and several players.

The event MC was BISSA Secretary, Adrian Wales, whose smooth professional style ensured a seamless transition between each separate element before the club’s historian, John Roe - author of three books focused on the history of Batley RLC - regaled the 50 strong audience with tales of colourful characters who had played for the historic club during the course of its illustrious past, including Tom Elliker who once played the whole of the second half in his stockinged feet in response to the opposing team’s complaint that his boots were not compliant with the safety rules; and Herbert ‘Dodger’ Simms, who, in a charity match, single-handedly beat a team of nine players and who frequently avoided tacklers by leaping over them.

With his audience in rapt attention, John received a very generous round of applause after the conclusion of his presentation.

Ford gave a polished and articulate assessment of the Bulldogs’ overall performance during the 2026 season, as well as highlighting his longer-term plans for strengthening the team by utilising local talent nurtured at the club. The players, all of whom present had just completed a training session, spoke succinctly and relevantly about their future objectives.

Alistair Leak and Lucas Walshaw, both of whom have served the club heroically in the forward pack, were presented with their Heritage Certificates and Heritage Shirts to coincide with their retirement as players. Once these two stalwarts had departed the stage, all eyes switched to Dane Manning, Batley’s 37-year-old second row forward whose fearless running and inspirational presence is central to the team’s ethos.

A spokesperson for BISSA said: “Unsurprisingly, Dane had contemplated retirement from the game, but he has decided to give Batley one more year’s service and signed his contract on the spot to the sound of rapturous applause and exhortations for him to read the small print to check that he was not signing for another two to three years!

“The event would not have been possible without the sterling efforts of BISSA Secretary, Adrian Wales and a host of volunteers from BISSA’s membership list such as the sisters, Julie Bownass and Karen McGowan, who are also the daughters of a former Batley player, Terry Gavaghan.

“Julie and Karen ensured that the seating was carefully set out along with a display of BISSA merchandise and the prizes for both the raffle and stand-up bingo – the enthusiasm of these two formidable ladies is infectious.

“Moreover, we cannot finish without mentioning Tracy Winner and her co-volunteer, the women who provided the wonderful pie and peas for those who came along to the event.

“All in all a most entertaining evening which included plenty of laughter alongside the more serious issues related to team strategy and performance.”