RAMS EDGE TIGHT TUSSLE
STEPHEN IBBETSON
BATLEY BULLDOGS 20
DEWSBURY RAMS 22
Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, Saturday
DEWSBURY Rams edged Batley Bulldogs in a surprisingly competitive first run-out for either Heavy Woollen club in almost a year.
The traditional rivals usually commence pre-season on Boxing Day but the delayed start meant they duelled in unfamiliar warmer climes, though there was still the risk of being caught cold after so long away.
But the fast track at an eerily quiet Mount Pleasant provided the platform for the two Championship clubs to put on an entertaining display which suggested both should be in good shape when the campaign begins.