League takes precedence over cup for Dewsbury Rams head coach Lee Greenwood

Dewsbury Rams head coach Lee Greenwood.Dewsbury Rams head coach Lee Greenwood.
Dewsbury Rams head coach Lee Greenwood.
Dewsbury Rams face Whitehaven in the fourth round of the Coral Challenge Cup on Sunday but head coach Lee Greenwood admits that the competition is not a priority for his side.

The Rams travel to Cumbria with a good chance to secure passage to the fifth round, when four Super League clubs – Huddersfield Giants, Wakefield Trinity, Toronto Wolfpack and Hull KR, who will host the draw, – enter.

But Greenwood insists that his main aim is securing Dewsbury’s Championship status as soon as possible.

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“The 1895 Cup and Challenge Cup are not a massive priority for us,” he said.

Liam Finn in action for Dewsbury Rams against Halifax on Tuesday night.Liam Finn in action for Dewsbury Rams against Halifax on Tuesday night.
Liam Finn in action for Dewsbury Rams against Halifax on Tuesday night.

“As it always is for clubs of our size, it is about cementing your Championship status as quickly as possible.

“Last year it took too long and it left it nervy for far too much of the season.”

Greenwood hailed the character of his Dewsbury side as they secured their first victory of the season at only the second attempt with a 18-16 win at Halifax on Tuesday night.

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After taking a 6-0 lead into the break Dewsbury fell 12-6 behind before levelling to 12-12.

Dewsbury Rams players celebrate at Halifax.Dewsbury Rams players celebrate at Halifax.
Dewsbury Rams players celebrate at Halifax.

They went behind for a second time soon after but an Andy Gabriel try after the hour proved enough to claim the victory.

The result will give the Rams plenty of confidence for the rest of their Championship campaign and Greenwood admits that is the type of game his side would have “100 per cent” lost last season.

“We were underdogs in everyone else’s book,” said a delighted Greenwood.

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“I have spoke about a different vibe and attitude in our squad and the only way you can show that is on the pitch.

“We would have 100 per cent lost that last year.

“Once we went behind straight after half-time, we would have crumbled.

“But there is a different character. Some of the performances out there were absolutely outstanding.

“It is a much-needed win for a bit of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Dewsbury’s Heavy Woollen rivals Batley Bulldogs are in Challenge Cup action tomorrow night.

They travel to face Leigh Centurions and head coach Craig Lingard will hope to welcome back Joe Taira and Tyler Dickinson after injury lay-offs.

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