... Batley Bulldogs Away (Northern Rail Cup)

Batley Coach Gary Thornton felt that his players showed too many "defensive frailties" and too much "ill-discipline" in their 52-30 defeat at Whitehaven last Sunday, adding "we have learnt from some things that happened and we must move on. Its the start of the season and we have two tough home games to come in the next five days starting with Doncaster on Wednesday. I will be looking to get our NRC campaign back on track and get a much needed win under our belt".

So who might he pick in his quest for three points ...

Former Dewsbury Rams full back Ian Preece is likely to be the Bulldogs last line of defence but is also a useful attacking weapon.

With Johnny Campbell and former Doncaster man Dale Cardoza currently on the injured list, the three quarters are likely to be picked from Ben Feehan, the well-travelled Danny Maun, youngster Nat Brown, recent acquisition Daryl Cardiss and loanee Jermaine McGilvary picked up from Huddersfield Giants for the 2009 season.

Paul Mennell is another Bulldog unlikely to feature due to injury so the chances are that Mark Toohey and Mark Barlow will continue at half back after being selected for the trip to Whitehaven.

In the forwards, former Doncaster men Chris Buttery, Kevin Crouthers and Craig Potter could be joined by David Toothill and former Leeds Academy duo John Gallagher and Luke Stenchion. Other options could be former Huddersfield and Halifax prop Jon Simpson and ex Dewsbury Ram Ash Lindsay plus local favourite Anthony Henderson.

Others who may be considered are George Flanagan, Jamie Aitchieson and Nat Armitage but this game is expected to come too soon for prop forward Byron Smith and hooker Kris Lythe.

Just out of interest and I stress only if you're feeling brave, if you were to look on the official Batley Bulldogs site at the playing staff it makes quite startling viewing!

[url=http://batleybulldogs.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=16&Itemid=30See here[/url

Theres quite a few of the Crouthers family playing then tonight!!

How does that song go again Karl?

Rather have one Peter Green than 13 Kevin Crouthers

I always said Batley were a one man team

Thought you'd all enjoy that!

It's not the weather for fast open play rugby --might be best to get the uphill over with first-half should we win toss because there's going to be some tired legs at the end of the game tonight.