Moore return boosts Batley

Batley Bulldogs’ young scrum-half Gareth Moore is gearing up for the biggest game in his Rugby League career after successfully passing a fitness test on his shoulder.

The inspirational half-back, just 21 years old, will regain the Number Seven shirt for the Bulldogs’ date with destiny against Widnes Vikings in the Northern Rail Cup final at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, on Sunday.

“It will definitely be my biggest game so far,” said Moore, who missed Batley’s recent Co-operative Championship victory over Barrow through injury.

“I appeared in a Grand Final with the Leeds Academy side but that was as a warm-up for a Super League match. This will be very special occasion for me and hopefully the first of many big Rugby League experiences.”

“We’ve already played them three times this season and it’s currently all square with a win apiece and a 30-30 draw in the first game of the season at Mount Pleasant in the Northern Rail Cup way back in early February.

“We were beating them easily but they fought back well and got a draw with a last-minute try from Anthony Thackery.”

A former Middleton Marauders junior, Moore spent four years with the Leeds Rhinos Academy before signing for Batley last September, since when he has established himself as a firm fans’ favourite thanks, in part, to his reliable kicking which has already seen him land 103 goals.

Tickets will be available on the day at Bloomfield Road (4.00pm kick-off). Live coverage will be on Sky Sports 3 from 3.30pm.

Three sides of the stadium will be used for the match with the East Stand currently under construction pending the entry of Blackpool FC into the Premiership.