Swinton Lions 10 Batley Bulldogs 46: Rowe hat-trick has Kear delighted with Bulldogs

John Kear’s men were rarely troubled and dominated almost throughout as they completed a league double and sent Swinton tumbling to the bottom of the Kingstone Press Championship table.

Kear saluted the effort from his players as they grafted hard despite the hot conditions.

The Batley head coach said: “I’m really pleased for the lads as they had to work hard to get past a resolute defence in the first half.

“After half-time we really took control and once Swinton had seen a man sent to the sin-bin, we took advantage.

“It was a little disappointing to concede the two tries towards the end, but this win will set us up nicely for a couple of tough games we’ve got over the next few weeks.

“We have to maintain this kind of tempo, even though it can be tough when it’s so hot and games are intense.

“All the players put a great shift in, in testing conditions, and credit to Swinton for making it so difficult for us early in the game.”

The lightning quick Alex Rowe led the way for the Bulldogs with three tries as Kear’s side forced themselves 40-0 clear.

George Flanagan dashed over twice, as did Miles Greenwood, while Gareth Moore completed the rout with a try and seven conversions from eight attempts.

Samir Tahraoui and Jack Cooper scored for the Lions late on, but they were only token efforts.

Swinton Lions: Burke, Ormsby, Shaw, Evans, Penny, Ainscough, I’Anson, Cooper, Smith, Riley, Sarsfield, Bridge, Tahraoui. Substitutes: Barlow, Holland, Morrison, Thomas.

Batley Bulldogs: Greenwood, Campbell, Walton, Maun, G Johnson, Black, Moore, Smith, Mennell, J Johnson, Walmsley, Davies, Lindsay. Substitutes: Flanagan, Hirst, Rowe, Leary.

Referee: C Leatherbarrow (RFL).

London Skolars fought off a late Gateshead Thunder rally to win 55-52 in their Kingstone Press Championship 1 encounter.

Alex Hurst led the way for the Skolars, scoring four tries, while Ade Adebisi grabbed a brace and Dave Williams, Louis Robinson, Erjon Dollapi and Joe Price also crossed over. Dylan Skee added seven conversions.