Whitehaven 26 Batley Bulldogs 34: Handforth hands victory to Bulldogs

After falling behind to an early try the Bulldogs hit back with scores from Jonny Campbell and Handforth, and a conversion from Gareth Moore.

But the home team regained the advantage through Andy Thornley and Carl Rudd conversion before Moore latched on to a kick to put Batley back in front.

Campbell's second try on the half hour extended their advantage after a good break by Danny Maun but Whitehaven came back with a Rob Jackson try.

However, a Moore penalty extended Batley's advantage and they went in at half-time 18-24 ahead.

In a tight second half Derry Eilbeck broke back for Whitehaven only for a Moore penalty to further extend the Batley lead.

And with eight minutes to go, Whitehaven drew level with a try from Jackson and looked to have the momentum to win the game.

However, the resilient Bulldogs were not to be outdone and Handforth's late score complemented by another penalty, saw them home.

Whitehaven: Benson, Eilebeck, Reece-Fox, R Jackson, Calvert, Rudd, Skee, M Jackson, Mattinson, Hill, S Miller, D Miller, Thornley. Substitutes: Sice, Amor, Barker, Farrer.

Batley Bulldogs: Campbell, Preece, Burrow, Maun, Kilroy, Handforth, Moore, Smith, Lythe, Hesketh, Potter, Buttery, Lyndsay. Substitutes: Toohey, Walton, Toothill, Martin.

Referee: R Hicks (RFL).