GOOLE VIKINGS 4 BATLEY BULLDOGS 50
JOHN COLLINS, Victoria Pleasure Grounds, Saturday

BATLEY produced a clinical display as they ran in nine tries to claim a comprehensive victory over Goole and provide a fitting tribute to their former coach, John Kear.

Ahead of kick-off, players, officials and supporters from both clubs joined together for an impeccably observed minute’s silence in memory of the Rugby League hero who led Batley for more games than any other team, creating an emotional atmosphere before the action got underway.

Despite the final scoreline, the Vikings competed strongly throughout much of the first half and created several promising opportunities. However, a combination of missed chances and Batley’s ruthless efficiency left the visitors firmly in control at the interval with a 16-0 advantage.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring after capitalising on a Goole error, with a break downfield creating the platform for the visitors to strike first as new Castleford loanee James Beckett charged over from 20 yards.

Scott Taylor’s side responded positively and enjoyed periods of pressure, but Batley doubled their lead after a poor attacking set from the hosts immediately turned defence into attack for Batley who raced upfield before Ben Reynolds created space for Nyle Flynn to power over from close range.

Goole continued to threaten but lacked the finishing touch. Connor Barley looked destined to score when released down the flank, only for the final pass to go to ground, and the Vikings were made to pay on the stroke of half-time as Felix Ellis rose highest to collect Josh Woods’ perfectly-weighted kick and extend Batley’s advantage.

Any hopes of a Goole fightback were quickly extinguished after the restart.

The Bulldogs exploded into life, with Reynolds at the heart of everything on his way to a hat-trick. The influential halfback supported a break through the middle to score his first try, before Ellis crossed for his second despite a brave defensive effort from Vikings fullback Josh Guzdek.

Goole continued to battle and went close through forwards Brad Bullock and Liam Watts, but Batley were now in full flow.

Alistair Leak crossed after a powerful 30-metre surge before Liam Kirk barged over from close range moments later as the visitors tightened their grip on the contest.

Batley repeatedly found joy down the Vikings’ left edge and Jack Hudson broke clear before sending stand-off Reynolds racing away for his second try of the afternoon.

And Reynolds completed a superb hat-trick with a trademark piece of footwork before converting his own score to take the Bulldogs to the half-century mark.

The home supporters were at least given something to celebrate in the closing seconds when Hull KR loanee Harvey Horne gathered a late kick to touch down as the hooter sounded.

Ultimately, though, the day belonged to Batley. Inspired by Reynolds and fuelled by emotion, the Bulldogs produced a performance worthy of the memory of John Kear as they left East Yorkshire with an emphatic victory.

GAMESTAR: Ben Reynolds registered a hat-trick, two assists and seven goals as the playmaker pulled the strings.

GAMEBREAKER: Two scores in a minute either side of the break deflated the Vikings and Batley took control – never looking back.

MATCHFACTS

VIKINGS
1 Josh Guzdek
18 Connor Barley
3 Cooper Howlett
4 Keenen Tomlinson
39 Harvey Horne
22 Callum Rutland
7 Jack Miller
30 Liam Watts
9 Jeylan Hodgson
25 Brad Bullock
11 Brett Ferres
12 Nick Staveley
13 Harry Aldous
Subs (all used)
5 Callum Shaw
6 Mackenzie Harman
10 Tyler Craig
40 Tyler Walton

Tries: Horne (79)
Goals: Miller 0/1

BULLDOGS
1 Robbie Butterworth
2 Joe Burton
20 Jack Hudson
23 Felix Ellis
25 Derrell Olpherts
6 Ben Reynolds
7 Josh Woods
17 Liam Kirk
14 Ben White
– James Beckett
11 Dane Manning
15 Nyle Flynn
13 Robson Stevens
Subs (all used)
3 Oliver Greensmith
9 Alistair Leak
18 Evan Hodgson
24 Akim Matvejev

Tries: Beckett (20), Flynn (32), Ellis (40, 55), Reynolds (42, 67, 73), Leak (60), Kirk (65)
Goals: Reynolds 7/9

SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-6, 0-10, 0-16; 0-22, 0-28, 0-34, 0-40, 0-44, 0-50, 4-50

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match:
Vikings: Josh Guzdek; Bulldogs: Ben Reynolds

Penalty count: 7-7
Half-time: 0-16
Referee: Milo McKelvey