Harrison looks for improved showing

Batley Bulldogs coach Karl Harrison will make at least one change for Sunday’s clash against Gateshead Thunder after second-row forward Jason Walton received a two-match ban.

Walton was found guilty of a Grade C dangerous throw during Batley’s defeat against Leigh Centurions a fortnight ago. However, coach Karl Harrison received some good news when scrum half Paul Mennell’s case was deemed to be ‘sending off sufficient’.

Harrison is hoping for an improved attacking display from his side, following last week’s 12-8 win at Hunslet Hawks.

He said: “We defended magnificently, but with the ball in hand we were a million miles away from where we should be.”

Wayne Green is Thunder’s only injury concern, meaning Will Bate could be drafted into Richard Pell’s squad.

Pell said: “This is the same challenge as the one we faced against Sheffield Eagles – on their day, Batley are as good as any side in the Co-operative Championship.

“We’ve had a bit of knock back last week (Gateshead lost 82-0 at Workington), but we’ve just got to believe in what we’re doing and keep working hard.”