Batley stun Featherstone to book place in Championship Grand Final

Batley Bulldogs have booked their place in the Championship Grand Final following a 32-28 victory over Featherstone at the Millennium Stadium. 

Tries from Jonny Campbell, Luke Hooley, James Meadows, Lucas Walshaw and Dane Manning saw the Bulldogs shock Rovers and the Championship competition. 

Despite a late comeback threat from the hosts, Batley held strong having led from the fifth minute.

Leigh will host Craig Lingard’s side in the Championship Grand Final next week for the chance to win promotion to Super League.

Adrian Lam’s Centurions defeated York City Knights 70-10 at the Leigh Sports Village in the first of the two kick-offs.

The hosts ran in 12 tries over James Ford’s side. It took them just three minutes to open the scoring through former Australia superstar Blake Ferguson on the wing. The 32-year-old completed his hat-trick in the second half.

He was joined on the scoresheet by Sam Stone, Nene Macdonald (2), Caleb Aekins (2), Ed Chamberlain, Edwin Ipape (2) and Kai O’Donnell. Former Super League utility Krisnan Inu kicking 11 goals from 12.

The two sides will meet in the Championship Grand Final next Sunday, October 2, at 6pm live on Premier Sports.

Craig Lingard reacts to shock win to reach Championship Grand Final

Batley boss Lingard joined the team at Premier Sports following his side’s shock win as underdogs over Featherstone.

“I’ve got cramp all over my body!” Lingard joked with presenter Emma Jones.

“An absolutely outstanding achievement. I can’t put into words how massive this is for the club. 

“It’s just working hard. We don’t have the most skilful players in the division or the most expensive players in the division. But we have a group of players who work their socks off for each other.”

PODCAST: Adam Cuthbertson on time at Leeds, Rhinos’ resurgence & Wayne Bennett’s influence

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast