Batley Boys U12s V Oulton Raiders U12s

Batley Boys U12s played Oulton Raiders in a tough encounter at the weekend but were left disapponted as they suffered a first competitive home defeat in 2012.

Batley started brightly as they pegged Oulton back during the opening exchanges with James Smith, opposition man of he match Liam Rush and Kyle Render controlling matters. With forwards Paul Scott, Luke Slack and Morgan Oates making significant yards it was looking good for Batley until a break away try from Oulton demonstrated the pace they had in the backs. It wasn't too long before another break from Oulton doubled their lead and Batley were on the ropes. To the credit of Batley they tightened up in defence and once again began to test Oulton as Harry Foster, Joe Hyland, Owen West and Harry Brearey attacked the fringes. Eventually Batley got their reward as a flowing move resulted in a break from man of the match Jack Broadbent who scored leaving the score 12-4 at half time.

With Batley back in the game they needed to strike first to keep the momentum but it wasn't to be as Oulton scored a close range try to extend the lead. Big efforts in defence from Spectators man of the match Jarrad Kirk, who was outstanding throughout and top tackler Dylan Hodgson kept Oulton out but another break saw Oulton make it 20-4. Batley again came back at Oulton as Josh Ward and Josh Scrutton stood up well to punishing defence before Kyle Foley brought the scores to 20-10. It looked once again as if Batley had found a way back in to the game but strong defence kept them out and Oulton were able to post two quick tries giving them a 30-10 victory and leaving Batley wth a rare home defeat.