Rams and Bulldogs set for Summer Bash derby clash

Dewsbury Rams will meet old rivals Batley Bulldogs in the Kingstone Press Championship Summer Bash in Blackpool on Sunday May 24.
Shane Grady scored a dramatic late try as Dewsbury won 16-14 at Batley Bulldogs in August.Shane Grady scored a dramatic late try as Dewsbury won 16-14 at Batley Bulldogs in August.
Shane Grady scored a dramatic late try as Dewsbury won 16-14 at Batley Bulldogs in August.

The entire Championship programme moves to Blackpool for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and the Heavy Woollen rivals will kick off Sunday’s matches at 12.45pm.

The pairing also means that Dewsbury and Batley could clash up to four times in the Championship next season.

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Batley welcome the Rams to Mount Pleasant on Good Friday (April 3), with the return at Tetley’s Stadium scheduled for the final round of regular matches on Sunday July 26.

Depending on the final league standings, Dewsbury and Batley could also meet when the Championship splits into the Super Eight section in August and September.

With Batley also having home advantage in the traditional Boxing Day challenge match this year, there could be five derby matches for fans to enjoy.

Dewsbury supporters hold the bragging rights having won both league derbies last season.

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The Rams produced a stunning display to beat Batley 43-10 at Tetley’s Stadium last Good Friday, while they came from 6-0 down at half-time to snatch a 16-14 win at Mount Pleasant in August thanks to Shane Grady’s late try.

The Rams and Bulldogs have met at a neautral venue before when they served up one of the best heavy Woollen derbies in recent times in the 2005 Championship Qualifying Grand Final at Widnes.

The Bulldogs edged a 28-26 victory that day to claim a place in rugby league’s second tier.

Rams season ticket holders should contact the club regarding ticket offers in place for the Summer Bash weekend.