‘It means a lot to supporters’ - Unbeaten travellers Dewsbury Rams ready to make shortest trip to ‘fired up’ Batley Bulldogs for Heavy Woollen derby

The Rams make the shortest trip in rugby league protecting an unbeaten away record in this season’s Championship with three out of three wins on the road, but head into the fierce contest on the back of an heartbreaking after-the-hooter defeat at home to Sheffield Eagles on Sunday.

​Paul March’s men have now lost two games by just two agonising points, and a third by 12 points, in the league, and all at home.

​The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have won just two of their opening six games and were beaten 40-12 at leaders London Broncos last time out.

​March told the Reporter Series: “It was a tough one to take (Sheffield defeat). From minute one to minute 79.99 we were very good and competed against one of the top four sides in the Championship. We didn’t look out of place.

“It was pleasing knowing that we can challenge these top teams, but disappointed we didn’t finish the job when we could have done.

“The attitude from the players was second to none and we have got to take that into this weekend. We have spoken about going into this game with confidence.”

On the importance of the Heavy Woollen derby, March said: “We have got a lot of local lads in there so it means a lot to them and I know it means a lot to the supporters, so we will go there full of confidence.

“If we can replicate the Sheffield performance against Batley then I am sure we can come away with the win.

“It’s been tough for Batley and they have had a tough weekend down in London. They have been hit and miss but they have been missing a few players with injuries.

“I am sure Fordy will have them fired up and ready to go.

“We are looking forward to another battle and hopefully we can get that win and make everybody happy.”

The teams last met on Boxing Day, with the Bulldogs running out comfortable 18-0 winners at FLAIR Stadium to retain the Roy Powell Trophy.