Match Report: Batley Bulldogs v Newcastle Thunder Betfred Championship Round 23

Newcastle Thunder came through a real battle as it took a late Brad Ward try to overcome a Batley side that threw everything at them to stay second in the Betfred Championship and record their first ever win at Batley.

Thunder scored in the eighth minute as the backs worked it nicely, Jack Smith gave a short pass to Joe Law to score, it was unconverted. On 14 minutes Batley scored one of their own as Dane Manning powered over, this was converted by Ben Reynolds who was outstanding off the tee to give the Bulldogs a 6-4 lead.

Batley got a deserved second on 20 minutes as Alistair Leak darted over from dummy half to score, Reynolds converted to give the hosts a 12-6 lead. Thunder responded though on 24 minutes as Bailey Antrobus took a short pass from Jordan Lipp to power over, Myles Harrison converted to take the score to 12-10.

Thunder took the lead on half an hour as Brenden Santi carried he offloaded to Lipp who found Will Roberts who ran in from 30 metres out, Harrison converted to take the score to 12-16. The crowd were into this physical battle and neither side were taking a backwards step as the hits flew in, King Vuniyayawa was leading the defensive effort for Thunder.

Batley raced out the blocks in this ferocious contest in the second half playing uphill as they scored two quick fire tries to leave the Tynesiders chasing the game. On 42 minutes, Oliver Greensmith