Toulouse 18 Batley Bulldogs 28: Walton and Preece hit doubles as Bulldogs return with the points

Toulouse have been Batley’s bête noir since they came into the competition but that all changed Saturday night when the Bulldogs finally got the proverbial monkey off their backs with a hard fought victory against a determined local side.

Karl Harrison’s side, possibly not playing at their best, did just enough to take the three points but they were chased all the way.

It was in the backs that the Bulldogs showed up well with two decisive performances from the powerful Walton in the centres and the energetic Preece at full-back both grabbing a brace of tries each.

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Walton first got the scoreboard ticking over supporting on the inside on a play which started up field with Handforth’s delicate pass before the French side retaliated when Corcoran charged over. The locals were coming up with too many unforced errors giving Batley opportunities to attack.

The ability to keep the ball alive tested the Toulouse defence to the limit and after another expansive piece of play Preece was there in support linking up well to cross wide out to give his side a six-point cushion at the interval.

If Toulouse didn’t have the co-ordination and fluency of the visitors they did have an Australian half-back Nicholls who had something to offer.

His contribution in the second period made a game of it. He scored two tries and converted both.

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His first from Gigot’s dabbed kick through close to the line and a fine individual effort, stepping his way through several would-be Batley defenders, scores separated by Walton’s second for the visitors. By the hour mark the French side were in front but Batley knew how to respond quickly.

Lythe got their fourth try from Rettie’s timely intervention and Preece put the cerise sur le gateaux with a great kick pick-up and dive over near the posts.

Toulouse: Gigot, White, Planas, Ormeno, Reveillon, Nicholls, Villegas, Wynn, Cook, Corcoran, Maria, Tisseyre, Houles. Substitutes: Faure, Gout, Anselme, Larroyer.

Batley: Preece, Rettie, Maun, Walton, Brown, Handforth, Mennell, Smith, Lythe, Potter, Bretherton, Manning, Lindsey. Substitutes: Buttery, Hesketh, Robinson, Toohey.

Referee: G Stokes (St Helens).