Batley target cup retention

Batley scrum-half Gareth Moore says coach Karl Harrison has challenged his side to become the first team to retain the Northern Rail Cup.

Moore was a pivotal figure as the Bulldogs upset the odds to beat Widnes Vikings 25-24 in the Blackpool showpiece last season, snatching the trophy in the dying stages thanks to two late tries from winger Alex Brown.

And now, having enjoyed a taste of success, Moore and his team mates want to replicate their feat this term.

The 21-year-old said: “Karl has talked about us returning to Blackpool. Nobody’s ever done it before.

“But we’re concentrating a lot on the league and getting in to the play-offs too, and Karl’s recruited very well. The new lads have all adjusted well and we’re gelling well as a team.

“Last year was brilliant. We were talking before the game about how we needed to not give them a head start, we didn’t, and we were confident on the day and came through it very well.”

Moore came through the academy ranks at Leeds before spending brief loan spells at Halifax and York in 2009, which then opened the door to a permanent move to the Championship with the Bulldogs last season.

The Scotland international added: “My ambitions have always been to play Super League, I love rugby, it’s been my life since I was five years old.

“I’ve had a bit of interest but hopefully I can have a good season at Batley and see what happens at the end of the season.”