Batley coach Kear not even thinking about top four

BATLEY BULLDOGS coach John Kear says his side's win over Halifax proved they are not in 'bad nick' after all, writes DAVE CRAVEN.
John KearJohn Kear
John Kear

The 32-16 success was their first win in five Championship games and leaves them fifth still in touch of the top four.

“I was absolutely delighted with what the players served up,” said Kear. “They prepared very, very well, were focused and intense in all the training drills, I could feel their concentration in team meetings so was confident they’d play well.

“It’s important we attempt to get better and carry this on.

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People have been questioning these fellas as we lost four in the league.

“But in between they beat Featherstone at home in the Challenge Cup and put in a great performance against Catalans Dragons so we’re not in bad nick and that Halifax win demonstrated that.”

Batley face the long trip to Cumbria to play Workington Town on Sunday and will have a doubt over New Zealand-born former Bradford centre Chris Ulugia.

“He picked up a shoulder injury but that’s what happens in rugby league,” added the Batley chief. “We’ll let it settle down and then have a real good diagnosis on Tuesday from the physio to see where we can go from there.”

The win was important in the Bulldogs’ bid for the top four but Kear maintained: “There’s 10 more games yet.

“You can’t go on about the top four when there’s still that much rugby to be played.”