Malcolm B

The match is Sunday Batley supporter

Batley have played in cherry and white stripes during the late 50s and 60s. (showing my age now).

The latest info is that It looks like there may be a least 4 missing on Sunday. McGowan, Morton (concussion), Josh Hodson seen a specialist, Meadows also doubtful although Senior is back in training. Although we have cover for most areas we would miss Meadows. Still got a good pack so lets hope for a second win

From a local Heavy Woollen perspective, we have two semi-professional clubs. Batley who after two good seasons will have to rebuild towards a year where very little is known as to the league structure and financial situation and Dewsbury who are facing relegation and who's financial future will I suspect be particularly difficult. Having watched Batley for some fifty plus years when we were often towards the bottom of a single division perhaps it's about time, we had a different take on the future of Rugby league in this district. For many years both clubs have seemed to be on a merry go round alternating between the top six (or so) and possible relegation and as we all know we always finish up in the same position to repeat the process. As individual clubs we will never be able to compete at the highest level (unless we have a benefactor with deep pockets) is it now time to think the unthinkable which would be the union of two historical clubs. No doubt after cries of outrage from both sides of the valley, could we contemplate living with a new Heavy Woolen District club working not only together but linking closely with the amateur scene. I know there will be questions around which ground and what name but surely we need a new vision and pride in rugby league in our area and that both sets of long suffering supporters deserve to watch this tremendous sport at the highest level. Perhaps amalgamation is just a pipe dream and would not receive the support required but can either club continue to struggle on their own or is there a will to work closer together in a different way before the future decides for us.

Mark Aston says Gilmore is leaving at the end of the season. Anybody know any details

Although I like to read the comments on this site I don't often post but I thought I would in this case as it must be quite frustrating for those running this successful club to feel the financial pressures increasing. I am sure a lot of supporters are aware that this championship club is not the only one feeling the pressure as I noted an appeal made recently to Halifax fans to get behind the club. Unless you have individuals who are prepared to finance a club as with Leigh or Featherstone if you are successful in the championship you are going to have cash flow problems especially when RFL funding is slashed. I do think the Grand lifeline draw is a good start but that its appeal, offer and advertisement could be broadened across all aspects of the local community whether companies, the amateur clubs, as previously mentioned college, schools and universities, those we know who have past affiliations. If we had (perhaps we have) a data base then any promotions and news could be immediately disseminated across a range of platforms. Even as a staunch Batley fan I feel quite worried about our near neighbour Dewsbury as dropping down a league does them or us no favours as local rivalries promote interest. The RFL have a lot to answer for and do not help as mentioned regarding the way the fixtures are arranged and the inability to sort out the inequalities between full and part time clubs. Although people may be feeling their own financial pressures and frustrations let us be positive and not judgemental. This is a club with a tremendous history and will continue to defy the odds. lets face it what else is there to promote Batley on a national level.

As a supporter of Batley for over 60 years and probably seen it all, I thought I would write to thank the club, its chairman and committee, its staff and volunteers, its players and coach for providing, particularly over the last few years some of the best rugby league I have witnessed. This is a real family club who have placed Batley on the map and conducted themselves not only in the best interest of the club but the wider game of rugby league. It is not an easy task to run a club on a limited budget and no club get it right all the time, but the commitment and attitude of the staff and players and the pride to wear the shirt has elevated this team from "Oh its only Batley" to the respect it has earned aa a good Championship side. Whatever we win or not, thank you for the pleasure and heartache in equal amounts.