01 June 2014

Rovers scored early on through Greg Worthington, and extended their lead with Ben Hellewell’s touchdown as they dominated possession. Gareth Moore’s second conversion attempt was missed from out wide, the effect of which would give them some nervous moments later in the first period. As the home side finally stirred toward the end of the half, winger Ben Blackmore came inside to charge onto the ball on a diagonal run to the line full of pace and power. Leatherbarrow converted from wide out and brought his side within two points with a penalty after Alex Rowe was fouled under the posts. Rovers were clearly rattled as the home side were in the ascendancy, but their nerves were calmed after Andy Kain’s fine break allowed the supporting Matty Dale to score near the posts before half-time.

They soon stretched their lead two minutes after the break as Andy Ellis released Jack Bussey to storm 40 metres downfield, for loan debutant Danny Bridge to force his way over later in the set. Rovers were back on top, but the Bulldogs came close again when Anthony Nicholson was halted inches short on the final play. Those inches proved crucial as Rovers returned down the slope, and Kain’s pass sent Ian Hardman through for an unconverted try. The deficit was a tough ask for the Bulldogs, but Blackmore’s second explosive touchdown put them in sight of a bonus point, or even more, as Nicholson foraged near the Rovers line. However, Ellis broke downfield yet again for Bussey to score on the next play. Rovers looked likely to pull away but gallant Batley refused to lie down, and finished much the stronger, with John Davies prominent in a fine forward display. Lee Patterson stormed over after a fine Josh Griffin charge-down and 30 metre break. With their line under siege, Rovers held out for the final eight minutes.