Bulldogs fall to surprise Swinton loss

John Kear's Batley Bulldogs suffered a surprise home Championship defeat to Swinton Lions.

The hosts trailed 18-6 at half-time and could not catch  visitors Swinton, who recorded only their fourth league win of the season.

Adam Gledhill and Dave Scott both crossed twice for Batley tries, while Pat Walker converted all four, and moved to within two goals of 500 in his career..

Defeat leaves Batley in fourth spot, six points adrift of leaders Leigh Centurions. They have won six of their opening 11 matches, losing four.

Batley: D. Scott, Reittie, Cowling, Squires, Ainscough, Southernwood, Brambani, Hirst, Blake, J. Brown, Bretherton, Chandler, Walker. Substitutes: Leak, Lillycrop, Gledhill, Harrison.

Swinton: Fell, Robinson, Littler, Hallett, Marshall, White, Atkin, Morrison, Nicholson, Lever, R. Lloyd, Dwyer, Thornley. Substitutes: Halafihi, Barlow, Johnson, Austin.

Referee: J Roberts (RFL).