Batley Bulldogs: Bulldogs were well worth a point against Bradford says Kear

BATLEY BULLDOGS deserved their point against Bradford Bulls, insists coach John Kear.
John KearJohn Kear
John Kear

Bulldogs have slipped to second in the Kingstone Press Championship following a 24-24 home draw with the fourth-placed former world and Super League champions.

The result extended Batley’s impressive run against the division’s full-time sides and means they have dropped only one point in meetings with 2015’s top four of Leigh Centurions, Bradford, Sheffield Eagles and Halifax.

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The game two days ago ended in controversy with claims Pat Walker’s last-gasp penalty kick, which levelled the scores, had gone wide.

But Kear said: “There was no issue from any of the touch judges and Patch said it went through easily.”

A crowd of 2,742 packed Mount Pleasant for the game and Kear added: “It was a great atmosphere and the two teams played well. Bradford played well, they didn’t disrespect us at all. They prepared well and that’s what made it a really enthralling game.

“There was plenty of determination and character within the [Batley’s] group and no little skill and tactical nouse.”

Bulldogs have opted to stage their Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie at home to Whitehaven on Saturday, giving them an extra day before the Good Friday derby at Dewsbury Rams.