Batley Bulldogs v York Knights: Match Preview

5 hours ago

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York Knights are on the road this weekend as their Betfred Championship campaign continues against Batley Bulldogs at the Fox's Biscuits Stadium on Sunday (3pm)!

After a slow start to the season, the Knights are still looking for their first league win, after defeats by Oldham, Toulouse Olympique and Halifax Panthers.

The Knights have had a two week break since the 18-10 home defeat by Halifax, with a break in the competition because of the Betfred Challenge Cup.

Coach, Mark Applegarth will be hoping the break has helped ease the injury situation at the club, with full-back, Will Dagger the latest to join the injury list after pulling out in the warm up in the last game.

Forward, Jack Martin will be available this week, after serving a one match suspension, while Kieran Buchanan will be in contention to face his former club for the first time since switching to the Knights in the off season.

Batley had a tough match last weekend, losing 62-4 to Leigh Leopards in the fourth round of the cup, conceding 12 tries. Robbie Butterworth scored a consolation for Mark Moxon’s side.

In the league, the Bulldogs have won one and drawn one of their opening two league fixtures. After an 18-18 draw at Oldham, they won a tight game at home to Widnes, 28-20.

The Bulldogs will be missing Dane Manning for this match, as he serves an eight match ban for punching in the 1895 Cup game against Bradford earlier this month.

The Knights haven’t got a great record at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, with their 10-4 win there in 2022 being the first in more than 20 years. Tries from Will Oakes and Ronan Michael and a goal from Jamie Ellis saw York take the win on a mud bath of a pitch.

Last season’s encounter ended with a 22-18 win for the Bulldogs, after a late comeback from the Knights to close the gap in the scoreline. A win for York this weekend would see them go one point behind Batley in the table.

You can pay on the day on Sunday for the Betfred Championship match between Batley Bulldogs and York Knights at the Fox's Biscuit Stadium (3pm)!

Prices are £20 for adults (18 and over) and £5 for juniors (5 to 17 year olds.)

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