BATLEY BULLDOGS coach James Ford is desperate to add some defensive steel to the team this season – and has praised his players for their early efforts.
The Fox’s Biscuits Stadium side leaked more than 30 points per match on average in finishing second-bottom of the old-style Championship last season.
It’s a figure Ford is focused on lowering – and the 18-0 Boxing Day challenge match win at neighbours Dewsbury represented a good start.
“They had a couple of moments, as most teams will do in any given game, but my players turned them round and found ways to defend their plays,” he noted.
“That is something I really wanted to instil into this group, because I didn’t see it last year in the games that I watched.
“It’s not a coaching thing, more down to player mentality, and I am really pleased they are going after that area.
“I also thought we looked good in contact and tackle management, things we have done a lot of work on in training.”
The 43-year-old former York and Featherstone coach took the Batley reins ahead of pre-season, having been recommended for the job by seasoned coach John Kear.
Much-respected Kear took over on an interim basis after Mark Moxon resigned in mid-June after a year-and-a-half at the helm.
Batley were without an opening-round game last weekend following Sunday’s scheduled visitors Featherstone’s failure to gain RFL membership.