Batley Bulldogs 32 Toulouse 10: Bulldogs still in hunt for promotion after Toohey’s heroic play

Two second half tries from centre Mark Toohey helped the Bulldogs maintain their Championship push.

And his inspiring touchdowns were badly needed for although Batley got off to a dream start in the match, with Paul Handforth and Alex Bretherton scoring great tries in the first 15 minutes, they were never able to dominate exchanges.

Toulouse were able to hit back just before the break when Jerome Gout crossed for a converted try to bring up a 12-6 interval scoreline.

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The visitors became increasingly threatening in the second half until Toohey stepped in to finish off a great crossfield move by hoodwinking the defence and gliding over near the corner.

It gave Batley encouragement as was seen minutes later when Jason Walton finished off a great five-man charge to notch up a 20-6 lead.

That was quickly reduced when slick work by Damien Couturier from a scrum enabled wingman Mathieu Mercier to slice through for an unconverted try.

But Toohey squashed any recovery hopes the Frenchmen may have entertained by finishing off a great 40 metre move which put the game in Batley’s pocket.

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A kick upfield by scrum half Paul Mennell had completely fooled Toulouse full back Rory Bromley when it bounced back towards the advancing Batley ranks.

Handforth chipped it forward and the supporting Toohey swept through the line to touch the ball down.

Fellow centre Daley Williams finished the scoring two minutes from time when he dived over from a close-in play the ball.

Batley: Preece; Campbell, Toohey, Williams, Reittie; Handforth, Mennell; Smith, Lythe, Potter, Bretherton, Manning, Lindsay. Substitutes: Buttery, Walton, Hesketh, Tootill

Toulouse: Bromley; White, Planas, Couturier, Mercier; Nicholls, Gigot; Ancely, Gigord, Pelo, Maria, Larroyer, Houles. Substitutes: Martins, Gout, Tisseyre, Cook.

Referee: C Sharrad (Manchester).

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