Batley Boys secure cup win as preparations for Premier campaign continue

The Boys started off strongly with forwards Matthew Sheridan, Gav Davies, Josh O’Sulllivan along with Daniel Scales and Phil Heath setting the platform.

It was Queensbury who took the lead when Batley ill discipline allowed them to move upfield and score a try.

The Boys tried to hit back with Davies held short and then penalised for a double movement, while Kirk also went close for the visitors.

Kirk hit back with a try to level for Batley Boys only for full-back Price to slip when clearing a ball, which allowed Queensbury to regain their four point lead before half-time.

Batley showed more determination at the start of the second half and Price was on the end of a fine passing move, involving six pairs of hands, to score.

Another excellent move involving five Batley players ended with Bingham kicking through for Brook to score.

Kirk then scored the pick of Batley’s tries following good work by Bingham, who also added the goal as the Boys led 18-8.

Excellent defence from Knowles, Luke and Matthew Sheridan, along with O’Sullivan, Gav Davies, Ryan Crossley and Kirk kept Queensbury at bay.

However, having defended 20 successive tackles, the Boys’ defence finally cracked with Queensbury’s third try, although the conversion was missed.

Queensbury piled on the pressure but Batley’s defence remained solid and Knowles forced a an error on the full-time whistle as the Boys held on victory.

Batley MoM Gav Davies led from the front with a captain’s effort, while an excellent defensive effort by Knowles helped the Boys keep their composure in defence and attack, with Matthew Sheridan again impressing in attack and defence.

The Boys welcome Milford Marlins to Halifax Road in the final Forty20 Cup group game on Saturday (2.3opm) before meeting Queensbury their opening Yorkshire Men’s League Premier Division match on April 1.

Batley Boys Under-11s continued their impressive form with victory over Eastmoor.

A good attitude and team work played a key part in the win.

Forwards Nathan Pickering, Joe Ritchie, Thomas Jagger and spectators MoM Archie Dransfield made good yards and worked hard in defence.

Maxx Lidddmore and Owen Parsons linked well with backs Reece Everitt, top tackler Owen Lister, Kian Layden, Jacob Aveyard and Josh Farish to create scoring chances, while denying Eastmoor at the other end.

MoM Luke Armitage showed great awareness to move the ball out and set up attacks for Finnley Johnson, Kasey Wadsworth and Joely Johnson.

Most improved player Jack Tranter and Jacob Mawston also impressed and continue to get better with each game they play.

Parsons and Everitt scored two tries each, Dransfield and Johnson also crossed for the Boys, with Liddemore, Parsons and Johnson adding goals.

The Boys Under-11s meet Guiseley Rangers at Taylor Street on Saturday (10am).