Bulldogs and Doncaster have three points reinstated

Batley were deducted three points after playing an ineligible player in their victory over Sheffield on July 27, while Doncaster also had points docked for a similar offence.

An RFL statement relased today, said: “An Operational Rules Appeals Tribunal has granted the appeals by Batley Bulldogs and Doncaster against the points deductions imposed for breaches of the sport’s rules relating to dual registration.

“The clubs were each deducted three competition points at an independent tribunal held on Friday August 15 when they were both found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in Kingstone Press Championship fixtures played on Sunday July 27.

“After being presented with fresh evidence relating to previous historical breaches of Operational Rules by other clubs which had not faced similar sanctions, the appeals tribunal sitting at Red Hall this afternoon overturned the points deductions.”

Receiving the three points back has handed Batley a lifeline in the fight against relegation from the Kingstone Press Championship.

Batley move onto 39 points, level with Whitehaven but above the Cumbrians thanks to a better points difference.

The Bulldogs are now just three points behind Keighley Cougars, who occupy eighth and the final play-off spot.

Victory in their final home game of the regular campaign, against Swinton Lions on Sunday (ko 3pm), and away to Doncaster on the final day of the season should be enough to preserve the Bulldogs Championship status for the 2015 season.

Doncaster move onto 54 points, six ahead of Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams in the race for fourth spot.

The Rams entertain Keighley in their final home game on Sunday and end the season away to Workington Town