BATLEY BULLDOGS chairman Kevin Nicholas says his club’s 1895 Cup first-round clash with Bradford could hardly be coming at a better time.
Mark Moxon’s men meet the Bulls at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium on the weekend of March 1/2.
That will be three weeks after their last home game – against neighbours Dewsbury in the third round of the Challenge Cup yesterday (Sunday, February 9).
While the other twelve Championship sides start their fixtures this weekend, Batley have a bye.
The Yorkshire team begin their league schedule at promoted Oldham on Sunday, February 16 – with Nicholas and former Batley player Danny Maun planning to make the trans-Pennine trip on foot to raise funds to go towards a floodlight upgrade at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.
“Going that length of time without a home match is what it is, because someone had to be the first to have a bye round, and we have factored it into our financial planning,” said the long-serving boardroom supremo.
“But there is an obvious effect on cash flow, so having a home tie in the 1895 Cup, and especially against a nearby opponent like Bradford, is helpful.
“Obviously, as with any cup-tie, it’s shared receipts, but with it being a derby and Bradford having Brian Noble back as coach and having made some signings, interest should be high.
“We are hoping for, and expecting, a decent attendance, and that’s good news all round.”
Batley, who made the final of the 1895 Cup in 2023, losing 12-10 to Halifax at Wembley, will be without experienced prop Luke Cooper for at least four months.
The 30-year-old picked up a torn pectoral (chest) muscle during the 54-0 Challenge Cup second-round win at Newcastle.
Cooper joined his hometown club from Featherstone ahead of last season, when he made 32 appearances, scoring five tries.
“It’s unfortunate with Coops,” said Moxon. “He had been looking good.”
