Kingstone Press Championship Preview: Batley Bulldogs v North Wales Crusaders

Batley Bulldogs coach John Kear believes his team are heading in the right direction after last week’s 28-24 win against Keighley Cougars.

The Bulldogs are now seventh in the Kingstone Press Championship and have won three of their last four games.

Kear said: “I was delighted with the first 40 minutes against Keighley.

“It’s nip and tuck in this division, and you’ve got to build as the season progresses.”

New North Wales Crusaders coach Anthony Murray, who has a doubt over Jono Smith (dead leg), has praised Kear’s efforts.

Murray said: “Batley are a quality side and they have been for many years, especially under John Kear. They’re a very experienced team.

“He knew how to steady the ship and they’re now moving forward as a team and getting better as the weeks go on.”

Crusaders are four points behind ninth-placed Keighley Cougars and have not given up hope of avoiding relegation.

But Murray said: “We can’t look at the league table – we’ve just got to take each games as it comes.

“We had a good win last week and we want to just continue that momentum.”