Halifax 26 Dewsbury Rams 13: Halifax open their Shay account against Rams

In a game hugely reminiscent of last weekend’s frustrating Shay loss to Featherstone, coach Richard Marshall’s side did everything but score as they trailed 12-6 and then 13-12 against a Rams side who had ended their 2014 season in the play-offs.

But recalled Gareth Potts dived over, Steve Tyrer added a try before prop Luke Amble secured victory when he raced away to score.

“I think the work we did in the first half, the speed we played the game in the first half told in those last few minutes,” said Marshall.

“Dewsbury defended their line really well, but when we lifted the tempo in the last 10 minutes they couldn’t cope with that.

“I’m pleased we have got a home win, that’s what we wanted and that’s what the players have been talking about.”

Karl Pryce opened the scoring for Dewsbury, Keiran Hyde adding the conversion, but the hosts were level with a Ben Heaton try, converted by Tyrer.

Former Halifax full-back Anthony Thackeray scored a length-of-the-field interception try to lead 12-6 at half-time.

Fax levelled with a Saltonstall converted try, before Hyde kicked a drop goal off the post to give the Rams the lead again at 
13-12. But Fax’s persistence paid off with their late tries.

Halifax: Saltonstall; Saxton, Heaton, Tyrer, Potts; Murrell, Johnston; Cahalane, Maneely, Ambler, Divorty, Manning, Fairbank. Substitutes: Bracek, Moore, Kaye, Spencer.

Dewsbury: Pryce; Morton, Grady, Crookes, Grant; Hyde, Thackeray; Smith, Wildie, Hepworth, T. Adamson, Hale, L. Adamson. Substitutes: Brown, Godwin, Jackson, Aizue

Referee: C. Kendall (RFL).