Delaney shines in reserves' friendly win

Both sides included a mix of promising youngsters and experienced players as they served up an entertaining game for the 263-strong crowd.

Nine tries were scored in all, with Dewsbury half-back Brad Delaney ending with a 100 per cent kicking record, landing five goals.

Halifax took a sixth minute lead when Conor Robinson dummied his way over and added the conversion.

The Rams struck back in style with four unanswered tries to the delight of new second team coach Paul Mennell.

Big centre Karl Pryce forced his way over wide on the right following good work by Dom Speakman. Brad Delaney landed a fine conversion to level matters.

Brad Delaney then kicked through and regathered to score an excellent individual try, which he improved.

Pryce drove at the Halifax defence and fed Dec Brereton to score after 30 minutes and Delaney added another excellent goal from wide out.

Dom Horn showed excellent pace to grab the Rams’ fourth try on the stroke of half-time and Delaney’s conversion gave the home side a 24-6 advantage.

Halifax responded well at the start of the second half with Conor McGrath acrobatically finishing off a move with a try in the corner, which Robinson converted.

Tom Hemingway gave the Rams breathing space when he dummied over and Brad Delaney landed his fifth conversion.

James Delaney and Scott Hale both went close to extending the Rams’ lead before Halifax fought back in the final quarter.

Josh Greenwood-McDonald dived over for an unconverted try before Bob Holroyd’s fierce drive saw him cross for the final score, which Billy Gaylor converted.

Several Dewsbury players stood up in a useful first run out of the season.

The Rams begin their defence of the Reserve Championship title with a trip to Sheffield Eagles, scheduled for Sunday March 14.