York City Knights 16 Batley Bulldogs 30: Bulldogs pile pressure on Knights despite double sin-binning

Early pressure from both sides tested each defence’s resolve although the Knights cracked first as Alex Bretherton spun in the loose tackle to score with Gareth Moore easily adding the extras.

Defences remained on top until a moment of magic from Ben Black opened a clear path for Daley Williams to stride through and touch down although Christ Thorman quickly responded with a disguised pass for substitute James Houston to reduce the deficit from close range.

But the crucial moment arose a minute before the break with York attacking. As the ball was flung wide it appeared a certain Batley knock-on although, as all three officials remained silent, Bulldogs winger Gareth Potts collected to sprint 75 metres and touch down.

With Knights centre Matt Garside and Bulldogs half-back Gareth Moore already in the sin-bin following an off-the-ball altercation Batley were reduced to 11 men as Alex Bretherton also saw the yellow card produced for disputing a decision.

York quickly took advantage as Jon Davies, a late dual-registration from Castleford Tigers, scythed through the bewildered defence to score.

But the Bulldogs held their nerve and shortly before Bretherton’s return increased their lead with Black’s cushioned kick being touched down by Moore.

Bretherton pounced on Moore’s short kick for his second try of the afternoon and Paul King’s effort merely reduced the deficit in the last minute.

York City Knights: Tansey, Bush, Ford, Garside, Elliot, Thorman, Turner, Sullivan, Lee, Freer, Davies, Smith, King. Substitutes: Aldous, Clarke, Hemmings, Houston.

Batley Bulldogs: Campbell, Potts, Walton, D. Williams, Brown, Black, Moore, Smith, Mennell, Walmsley, Bretherton, Walker, Applegarth. Substitutes: Palfrey, Hirst, Menzies, Lythe.

Referee: Jamie Leahy (RLF).

Carl Sice scored a hat-trick of tries as Whitehaven eased to a 34-0 Championship 1 victory over South Wales Scorpions. Sam Gee crossed twice for Whitehaven, with Scott McAvoy claiming their first try of the afternoon.