Mixed emotions of coaches after Summer Bash derby

Dewsbury Rams earned a 19-12, victory, which leaves them fourth in the Kingstone Press Championship table, while Batley slip to ninth.

Rams coach Morrison was pleased with the result in what was Dewsbury’s third game in nine days but admits his side were not at their best.

Morrison said: “It was another of those games when we didn’t play as well as we could have done, but we were able to grind out a win.

“It was our third game in a week, so it was pretty good to be able to do that.

“But, it was a big occasion and we’re disappointed we couldn’t show our best game on TV.

“The boys wanted to show how good they really are but it was a derby and any win in a derby is a good win.”

Morrison has also attracted attention regarding the vacant coaching post at his former club Wakefield Wildcats but insists he has a job to do at Dewsbury.

Morrison added: “As a player I wanted to play at the highest level. As a coach I want to get there as well but I have got to make sure I do it at the right time.

“I was captain at Wakefield and I love the club but I also have loyalty to Dewsbury and the players.

“It is like a family we have developed and it would be hard to walk away. I am happy where we are at and the future we are trying to build. On and off the field Dewsbury is in a good place and hopefully we can keep the squad together and get as high as we can.”

Bulldogs counterpart Kear was left to rue several missed opportunities which cost his chance of victory.

Kear said: “One thing we, as a group, are getting sick of is being in games and competing well and not winning them.

“We haven’t been getting any hidings, apart from the Leigh game. We’re being more than competitive, we’re just not putting games to bed.

“It’s a mystery why. We’ve got to review Sunday’s performance and try and improve on it.

“It was a disappointing result. I thought we played reasonably well and had enough chances to win, but it’s disappointing we didn’t turn that pressure and position into points.

“That’s the thing we really need to address. We got into good field position, but we took the wrong option on a number of occasions.”

Dewsbury will look to cement their place in the top four on Sunday when they entertain basement club Doncaster, who have lost all 14 league games this season.

Batley bid to bounce back from Sunday’s derby defeat when they travel to Featherstone Ro0vers, who lost 31-12 to leaders Leigh Centurions at Summer Bash.

See Thursday’s Batley News and Friday’s Dewsbury Reporter for a picture special on the Heavy Woollen derby in Blackpool.