Batley Bulldogs edged out fellow 2021 Betfred Championship Play-Off competitors Bradford Bulls in a pre-season friendly at Odsal Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulldogs had to fight from 12-0 down to come out 22-28 victors with winger Jonny Campbell crossing twice for the visitors.
Bradford scored two early tries through Sam Scott and Steve Crossley making a strong start to the game however Batley hit back through Campbell and Walshaw to pull level.
The sides would trade tries again before half-time as Elliot Kear went over for the Bulls before George Senior crossed for the visitors. Batley took a two-point lead into the break.
Batley furthered their lead after the interval through Luke Hooley but John Kear’s side stayed in touching distance as Dan Fleming forced his way over.
However, it was the Bulldogs who sealed victory late on as Campbell dribbled the ball through to the corner and latched onto his own kick to double his account for the afternoon.
Elsewhere, Barrow Raiders beat fellow Cumbrian outfit Workington Town 24-12 as both sides begun their preparations for life in the Betfred Championship.
Town took the lead through Oscar Thomas but scores from Ryan Shaw and Hakim Miloudi in the final ten minutes of the first half saw the Raiders go back into the changing rooms ahead.
Much like the first half, Workington would score first again as Matt Henson went over and, similarly, Barrow would hit back with two tries of their own.
Danny Langtree scored on the hour-mark while Ellis Gillam powered his way over with four minutes remaining to give Barrow pre-season Cumbrian bragging rights.
York City Knights saw off Midlands Hurricanes on Friday evening in the opening pre-season friendly of 2022. More details here.
Pre-Season Results:
Friday 7 January
York City Knights 46-6 Midlands Hurricanes
Sunday 9 January
Barrow Raiders 24-12 Workington Town
Bradford Bulls 22-28 Batley Bulldogs
