Batley Bulldogs fans and players help generate £26,000 during the club's enforced hiatus

The club saw their season put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak in March before the decision was made in the summer to cancel the Championship campaign completely.

While on the enforced hiatus, Batley held a prize draw every weekend, with supporters purchasing raffle tickets which were drawn each Sunday.

Chairman Kevin Nicholas hailed the “magnificent” support from the club’s fans prior to the final draw of the year last week.

The lack of fixtures has presented financial challenges to numerous lower-tier rugby league clubs in 2020 but the generosity of the Batley supporters allows them to enter this year in “a good position.”

“The amount of sales, as of this week, has raised £26,016. That is absolutely magnificent,” said Nicholas.

“I never thought we would achieve anything like that when we first started. A big thank you has to go to all the supporters who have bought tickets for the draw throughout.

“The players have bought tickets every week, that has helped make it a success and a thank you goes to people who have sponsored the draw.

“It is because of everybody connected with the club that we are able to go into 2021 in a good position.”