Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers match report by a dedicated flatcapper Daniel Crossfield (At the stadium)

 

Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers Betfred Championship Round 14 (Sunday 8^th August 2021)

This was my 2^nd game in a row watching and it came at the end of a bad week for Featherstone, as they lost to Toulouse last Sunday, then on Tuesday they got docked 2 league points and fined £10,000 for breaching covid regulations after a cup game in March, then on Thursday they announced one of their players was leaving for Warrington next season. It was in doubt earlier in the week due to Batley having a number of players test positive for Covid, but they did well tog et it on.

Could Batley continue their recent good form or would Rovers bounce back from 1^st defeat? Dale Morton led Batley out for his 250^th appearance, Lockwood led Rovers out for his 200^th appearance.

It was played at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium

After 5 minutes, the 1^st real attacking move by Rovers as Walker made a break with Hall in support on the left side, before the ball flew over to the right side, but came to nothing.

1^st Featherstone try

After 10 minutes, the 1^st try of the game went to Rovers as Batley got near the line and Chisholm intercepted from his own half and raced away to score, successful conversion from Hall.

Then a couple of minutes later, Rovers thought they’d scored again but got bundled into touch.

2^nd Rovers try

After a quarter of a hour, another interception from nearer range this time from Brown as he raced away to score, successful conversion from Hall, were Rovers about to blow Batley away?

1^st Batley try

After 25 minutes, Batley scored their 1^st tries after a couple of drives and scored through Gledhill, successful conversion by Gilmore.

2^nd Batley try

Five minutes later, and it seemed like Batley were gaining confidence as they nearly got over as Flynn was held up, they then got the ball out wide from Gilmore and Johnson scored in corner, successful conversion from Gilmore.

Drop goal for Batley

Just before the break, Batley edged in front with a drop goal by Gilmore.

Halftime score:  Batley Bulldogs 13-12 Featherstone Rovers

So after a quick start by Rovers, they allowed Batley back into it, and went into the break behind, would it be back to back defeats for Featherstone, or could they turn it round?

3^rd Rovers try

I missed this try as I was still in the queue for the halftime food, but I’ll try describe it best I can.  After 42 minutes, Rovers went back in front as Blackmore went over, unsuccessful conversion by Hall as the wind took the ball wide.

After 46 minutes, Featherstone were knocking on the Batley door, but Batley held out.

4^th Rovers try

After 55 minutes, a 4^th Rovers try and a try on debut for Walker, who ran a superb angle with speed to get over, successful conversion from Hall.

Just before the hour mark, Chisholm did a superb crossfield kick to find Hall, but he had the ball knocked out of his hands.

5^th Rovers try

On the hour mark, Halton did a grubber kick which he then touched down himself, successful conversion by Hall, and Featherstone were 15 points ahead.

After 75 minutes, Springer was driven over the deadball line by Seven Batley defenders.

Fulltime score:  Batley Bulldogs 13-28 Featherstone Rovers

So a better 2^nd half by Featherstone as they scored 16 unanswered points to get back to winning ways.

They remain 2^nd in the Championship table on 26 points.

Next for Rovers is a repeat of the 1895 Cup final as they take on York City Knights at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday 14^th August 6pm kickoff.