Rams and Bulldogs promote Boxing Day showdown

Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Rams officials promote the Boxing Day derby with conditioning partners T3 Wellbeing Centre.

Dewsbury Rams and Batley Bulldogs are gearing up for the annual Roy Powell Boxing Day Trophy clash, which takes place at Tetley’s Stadium this Saturday (kick off noon).

A bumper festive crowd is expected for what remains a long standing tradition in the Heavy Woollen district and supporters are advised to arrive early to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.

Both sides will be sporting new strips for the first time and officials from both clubs met today (Wednesday) at the T3 Wellbeing Centre to help promote the game.

Spectators can also expect to see a number of new signings, from both sides, in action, adding extra interest to the fixture.

The Rams have made eight new signings in the close season and for Dewsbury lad Paul Sykes it will be his first taste of playing in a Heavy Woollen derby as he pulls on the shirt of his home town club for the first time.

Batley have also strengthened in the winter, bringing in seven new faces and are likely to have former Rams players Dominic Brambani and Patch Walker lining up in Bulldogs colours for the first time.

Rams coach Glenn Morrison has never won the Roy Powell Trophy on Boxing Day with Batley taking the honours 28-18 in 2012, 10-4 in 2013 and 18-16 last season thanks to Jordan Grayston’s late penalty goal.

Normal admission applies on Boxing Day which is £15 (adults) £11 (concessions) and £2 (Under-16s) to stand in either the South Stand or Eastern Terrace and £17 (adults) and £12 (concessions) in the seated North Stand.

Dewsbury players, and families, will be staying behind in the Royal Suite after Saturday’s match, when supporters are welcome to join them for a drink, while Batley have confirmed they will be opening the Ron Earnshaw Lounge back at Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, between 2pm to 5pm, for Bulldogs fans.