Batley Bulldogs 46 Swinton Lions 10: Preece hat-trick as Bulldogs tame Lions

The former full-back, who has switched positions with Johnny Campbell, opened Batley's account within four minutes as he benefitted from the impact of hard-running forward Jason Walton to go over in the corner.

Preece also ran well to collect two more in a four-minute spell at the start of the second half to give the Bulldogs an unassailable lead.

But while the winger had the biggest haul it was full-back Campbell who again added the drama and thrill with his brace of tries. His first followed an arcing run which he grounded by the corner, the second a 90-metre run in which he collected near his own line.

Tommy Gallagher made an impact by scoring within two minutes of arriving as substitute, Ash Lindsay bewildered defenders with his jinking run to cross and prop Jon Simpson used his strength to force his way over against what seemed like impossible odds.

Gareth Moore could only land five of his nine shots at goal but worked well with half back partner Paul Handforth to keep the team ticking.

Swinton put up a good first half display when second rower Paul Smith clinched one touchdown and forceful centre Sam Wreay made space for wingman Rob Foxen to grab a converted try near the end but they were certainly second best overall.

Batley: Campbell; Preece, Barlow, Maun, Greenwood; Handforth, Moore; Simpson, Lythe, Hesketh, Buttery, Walton, J Gallagher. Substitutes: T Gallagher, Lindsay, Potter, Toohey.

Swinton: Bamford; Foxen, Wreay, D. Hull, Hamilton; Holroyd, Watson; Heaton, Joseph, Wilson, P.Smith, Isherwood, D Smith. Substitutes: C Hull, Johnson, Rigby, Tyrer.

Referee: R Laughton (Barnsley).