Morrison looking for Rams improvement in derby clash

Ryan Hepworth scored one of Dewsburys seven tries in last seasons Good Friday derby against Batley, which the Rams won 43-10.

Morrison was disappointed with his side’s display in last Friday’s 38-28 defeat at home to Featherstone but has stuck with virtually the same squad in the hope they can rectify that performance.

Matthew Haggarty is the only notable absentee from tonight’s 19-man squad with 17 of the side who faced Featherstone included.

Dewsbury won both league derbies last season, running out impressive 43-10 victors in the Good Friday clash at Tetley’s Stadium before grabbing a late try to edge a narrow 16-14 success at Mount Pleasant in August.

The 33-point winning margin in the home encounter was the biggest in the last eight matches between the sides as Dewsbury ran in seven tries, through Greg Scott (two), Shane Grady, Wayne Godwin, Karl Pryce, Tommy Gallagher and Ryan Hepworth.

Batley had won the previous six Heavy Woollen derbies and lie above Dewsbury in the current Championship standings, all be it on points difference.

Speaking after last Friday’s defeat to Featherstone, Morrison said: “We gave them a win and gifted them five tries.

“We lost by 10 points but gave them five tries and gave them a present.

“Our shape was good and we scored some points but we just can’t hang on to the ball and with a 62 per cent completion you aren’t going to beat anyone let alone a side like Featherstone.

“Until they (the players) learn and listen and individually be better in these areas we are not going to win those type of games.”

Byron Smith is also included in Dewsbury’s squad and the no-nonsense prop could be in line to face his former club in what promises to be a cracking contest.

There is a quick turnaround in matches over Easter as the Rams welcome Bradford Bulls to Tetley’s Stadium for another mouthwatering derby on Monday.