Kingstone Press Championship Preview: Whitehaven v Batley Bulldogs

Following Whitehaven’s 26-16 defeat at Sheffield Eagles coach James Coyle was pleased with some aspects of the performance.

“We defended pretty well and stuck to our guns but there were a lot of mistakes in the game from both teams,” he said.

“With a little bit of composure we would have got the win and had Sheffield played better they would probably have won more easily. It’s disappointing in some ways but positive in others.

“It’s going to be tough against Batley, they ran Leigh all the way at the weekend. They’re a tough team to play against, really enthusiastic and aggressive and a big side so it’s going to be difficult for us.”

Batley Bulldogs coach John Kear was pleased with his team’s performance at Leigh.

“We played very well indeed at Leigh and I was really pleased with what the players contributed,” he said.

“The most pleasing thing is that we’ve played Sheffield, London and Leigh within a very short space of time and we got better.

“I was really happy with their effort and application but we need to start posting points on the league ladder as well.

“It’s always very tough going up to Whitehaven. They’ve bettered us the last three times we’ve played them, twice at our place and once up at Whitehaven.

“We’re fully aware that they’ve got the Indian sign over us at the minute but it’s up to us to prevent that happening again.”

Full-back James Craven is doubtful with a hamstring injury but stand-off Cain Southernwood and wing Johnny Campbell are available while second row Sam Scott, prop Keegan Hirst and centre Elliot Cosgrove, who were rested last week, should return.