Two week break may ‘fall just right’ for Batley Bulldogs
Batley Bulldogs are now at the start of an enforced two week break before they face Betfred Championship leaders London Broncos at the end of March.
But, despite a “frustrating” start to the season for James Ford’s men, the fortnight of no playing time may have just fallen at the right time.
The new calendar year has provided Batley’s head coach with a number of conundrums, including friendlies being postponed, competitive fixtures being cancelled and the weather causing chaos at training.
But with Ford confirming that three key players picked up soft tissue injuries in the fantastic 16-30 win at North Wales Crusaders last Sunday, the upcoming break will give time for the squad to have a refresh.
Ford told the Bulldogs’ social media outlets: “It has been a frustrating start to the season with the Featherstone game being off, we lost the Sheffield (friendly) game, we were frozen off the training pitch and then we were flooded off the training pitch and then we had an issue with the lights.
“It’s been bizarre, it’s been challenging and it’s been frustrating. Would I want to play? Well before the North Wales Crusaders game I would have said yes, let’s get some more games rolling.
“Obviously we have now picked up some soft tissue injuries so it might fall just right for us.”
Felix Ellis, despite receiving 12 penalty points and a two-match suspension following an RFL Match Review Panel decision of Grade D Dangerous Contact in the victory over Swinton Lions, has impressed in recent weeks.
Ford said of the centre, who has stepped up well from the amateur game:
“I am very pleased with Felix. He’s a good athlete, he’s quick, he’s good on his feet, his game is tough. He is really receptive to learning and he has come on loads.
“I think there are another two or three levels in him, and hopefully we can help him get there.”
Batley Bulldogs are next in action in the Championship at top-of-the-table London on Saturday, March 28, kick off 6pm.