Batley Bulldogs 22 Dewsbury Rams 8: Rams denied bonus point by rivals Batley

Batley Bulldogs gained local bragging rights – and the Roy Powell Trophy – with a well-deserved victory over rivals Dewsbury.

Batley's teamwork not only secured a welcome victory but also denied the Rams a bonus point as Paul Handforth landed an all-important 30-metre penalty goal three minutes from time.

The Bulldogs took the lead when Sean Hesketh opened the way for a Chris Buttery try goaled by Handforth.

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Batley were making lots of handling faults but, after rebuffing the Rams with tremendous tackling stints, they managed to stretch the lead as Kyle Wood sent Ian Preece away for a try.

Dewsbury's heavier pack continued to attack vigorously until quick hands saw Bryn Powell cross in the corner for an unconverted touchdown.

Batley stretched their lead as Wood broke through and kicked ahead for Preece to score.

The Rams were punished further when Bulldog hooker Kris Lythe burrowed over and Handforth converted.

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Dewsbury got late consolation when good work from Ayden Faal brought a try for Mike Emmett, but the prospect of a bonus point was erased as Handforth landed his penalty.

Batley: Campbell; Preece, Toohey, Maun, Greenwood; Handforth, Wood; Smith, Lythe, Hesketh, Buttery, Walton, T Gallagher. Substitutes: J Gallagher, Potter, Toothill, Lindsay.

Dewsbury: Turner; Powell, Spurr, Faal, Sanderson; Brambani, P Walker; J Walker, Emmett, Hirst, Lockwood, Bostock, Hayes. Substitutes: Stenchion, Robinson, Blake, Wandless.

Referee: W Turley (Leigh).