Batley Bulldogs: Batley back in business beams Diskin

Bulldogs’ season began with a 44-6 defeat at Toulouse Olympique, but they got off the mark with a 24-6 home win two days ago.

“It was massively pleasing considering the setback the week before,” said Diskin, who celebrated his first victory as a head coach.

“We managed to put a line under it quickly and deliver a decent performance in atrocious conditions.

“The boys showed a lot of character.”

Batley led 18-0 at half-time and Diskin described it as a “dominant” display over their West Yorkshire neighbours.

“We controlled field position really well and, given the conditions, played some decent rugby,” he added.

“We caused Halifax some problems in the first half.

“In the second it got a bit scrappy and both teams’ error count was high, but you’d expect that in the conditions.

“Both our half-backs showed great game-management and the forwards got us moving forward.

“It was a good, spirited performance.”

Diskin said Batley, who are at home to top-four rivals Featherstone Rovers on Sunday, came through injury-free.