BATLEY BULLDOGS 26 HALIFAX PANTHERS 22
DAN FOWLER, Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, Sunday

BATLEY battled past Halifax to keep their play-off hopes well and truly alive, with Ben Reynolds’ five goals compared to Myles Lawford’s three for Halifax being the ultimate difference between the teams.

Josh Woods and Reynolds spearheaded their attack, as everyone expected them to, but they certainly had a platform laid on by 80-minute man Jimmy Beckett and Dane Manning.

For Halifax, Darius Carter and Alfie Johnson’s flourishing partnership continues to impress, with young outside back Ben Will and forward Ben Forster also catching the eye. 

Batley impressed in the early stages with solid metres made up their infamous slope and that pressure soon told. 

A nice passage of play to the right flank ended with a Joe Burton walk-in on seven minutes. From the touchline, Ben Reynolds’ first conversion attempt of the afternoon was successful.

Having taken one step forward, the hosts soon took a step back as they surrendered possession from the kick-off, gifting Fax a golden chance.

And with their first clear-cut opportunity, Halifax got on the board. A flat ball from loose forward Will Calcott found Forster hitting a great line to touch down. Lawford added the conversion.

A touch of class from Batley playmaker Reynolds at the halfway stage of the first half put James Ford’s side in prime position to regain their advantage. Spotting a 40/20 opportunity, the halfback had Will Brough scrambling and the Fax fullback couldn’t tap the ball back into play. 

From the ensuing set, Reynolds’ fellow playmaker Woods fed rangy prop Liam Kirk, whose tall frame couldn’t be stopped close to the line.

Similarly to Fax’s opening score, a Batley error soon after scoring gave the visitors the territory required to launch another attack. This time it was Beckett with the fumble in contact with a number of Panthers defenders. 

The Carter and Johnson combo linked up perfectly, with a sharp pass from Carter reeled in by Johnson before touching down. Lawford’s conversion levelled matters.

Halifax had the wind in their sails going down the slope and their confidence was on show when they took the lead for the first time.

Jesse Soric streaked through the line and he had Curtis Davies in support. Lawford converted for a six-point buffer which they kept for the remainder of the half.

Halifax would have been expecting a Batley barrage down the slope in the second half and they got just that in the first few minutes. Woods and Butterworth exchanged quick passes, the fullback sending centre Jack Hudson through a gaping hole in the Panthers’ defence. Reynolds converted for 18-18. 

Despite going uphill, the Panthers had their chances, with Forster denied a brace by being held up before Carter knocked on over the line.

In the final quarter, Batley looked to be taking charge.

Firstly, a penalty goal from Reynolds edged the Bulldogs ahead before Robson Stevens took an inside ball and scooted past Brough. Reynolds’ conversion made it a two-score game with 15 minutes to go.

However, Halifax didn’t wilt and they refused to accept the inevitable.

Seven minutes from time, Johnson played the killer pass for interchange winger Will, who acrobatically finished. Lawford’s conversion attempt went wide, leaving four points between the sides.

There wasn’t to be a late, late show though, as Batley held on despite a late Halifax flourish with time running out.

GAMESTAR: A workmanlike performance from Dane Manning helped Batley out of some tough spots.

GAMEBREAKER: Robson Stevens’ try on 65 minutes ensured that the Bulldogs would just get over the line.

MATCHFACTS

BULLDOGS
1 Robbie Butterworth
2 Joe Burton
23 Felix Ellis
20 Jack Hudson
25 Derrell Olpherts
6 Ben Reynolds
7 Josh Woods
17 Liam Kirk
9 Alistair Leak
– Jimmy Beckett
11 Dane Manning
15 Nyle Flynn
13 Robson Stevens
Subs (all used)
12 Lucas Walshaw
14 Ben White
18 Evan Hodgson
19 Jonah Parsons

Tries: Burton (8), Kirk (22), Hudson (46), Stevens (65)
Goals: Reynolds 5/5

PANTHERS
1 Will Brough
2 Ben Tibbs
11 Ben Crooks
22 Darius Carter
4 Alfie Johnson
6 Jesse Soric
17 Myles Lawford
21 Ben Forster
9 Adam O’Brien
33 Delaine Bedward-Gittens
15 Connor Davies
13 Jacob Fairbank
8 Will Calcott
Subs
3 Ben Will
7 Curtis Davies
20 Vila Halafihi
– Jimmy Morgan (not used)

Tries: Forster (11), Johnson (25), Curtis Davies (32), Will (73)
Goals: Lawford 3/4

SCORING SEQUENCE: 6-0, 6-6, 12-6, 12-12, 12-18; 18-18, 20-18, 26-18, 26-22

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Bulldogs: Dane Manning; Panthers: Alfie Johnson

Penalty count: 2-1
Half-time: 12-18
Referee: Kevin Moore