‘We knew we had to be good today’: James Ford ‘really pleased’ as Batley Bulldogs secure narrow victory over Halifax
James Ford was full of praise for both Batley Bulldogs and Halifax Panthers as the West Yorkshire pair delivered a Championship classic at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium this afternoon.
Ford’s Batley outfit saw tries from Joe Burton and Liam Kirk cancelled out by a determined Fax, who ended the first half in front.
But the Bulldogs fought back themselves in the second half and got two-scores in front thanks to converted tries from Jack Hudson and Robson Stevens, and a Ben Reynolds penalty. And they held on for the win despite a late effort from Halifax’s Ben Will.
Ford told the Reporter Series after the 26-22 triumph:
“I am really pleased to get the win against a team that I think is good. They have got strength in abundance, their outside backs carry the ball really well and they have a great handful of middles.
“Adam O’Brien at hooker is as good as any in the division. We knew we had to be good today to get the win and for large periods we were.
“In the second half we were doing the right thing, rolling them down the field, and putting them in corners. There were just one or two defensive errors here or there which left the pressure off them. That is where we are as a team at the minute.
“We are pretty good with the ball and we do the right things, so I am not worried about us scoring enough points to win games. We need to keep focussed on improving our defence.
“I think we are getting better but Halifax found some cracks here and there. They got some ruck speed and created some chances on the back of it.”