Kingstone Press Championship Preview: Batley Bulldogs v Dewsbury Rams

John Kear’s Batley Bulldogs had to fight all the way for the two points against a committed Doncaster side last time out.

“I thought Doncaster were really good, having watched two of their previous games they rectified a lot of faults and they really did challenge us,” he said.

“They made it a very difficult day at the office for us. It was an ugly win but it was a win for spirit, determination and character. It was good to come on the right side of a low scoring game.

“Any Batley game against Dewsbury you take it as read that it’s going to be tough and intense. Both teams are going to be highly motivated, so you’ve just got to accept that and get on with it.”

Glenn Morrison, the Dewsbury Rams coach, was bitterly disappointed with his side’s 38-28 defeat to Featherstone Rovers.

“It was a tough game but we weren’t good enough,” he said.

“We’re just not hanging onto the ball and gifted them five tries. You’re not going to win against any side doing that. We need to get on with it this week because we’ve got two big games.

“The good thing about derby games is you can have first against last and it’s still going to be a tight battle. Hopefully we can put things right and get some results for ourselves and our fans and stay injury free for Monday as well.”