Batley Bulldogs 34, Lancashire Lynx 16

ONE of Lynx's best performances of the season could and should have brought them two points at mid-table Batley.

In abysmal conditions at the Mount, the battling visitors had the home side on the back foot for most of this tight encounter.

Batley made the better start as winger Paul Gleadhill went over from a play the ball to give them an early lead.

But Lynx hit back after 18 minutes with a fine try. Anton Garcia, switched to the wing from his usual centre position, found space out wide and a fine Neil Alexander pass found him close to the line.

He bounded over, but Alexander, covering for regular kicker Paul Roberts, missed a tough kick from the touchline.

He brought the score level moments later with a penalty in front of the posts. Despite playing up the Mount's notorious sloping pitch, the Lynx now had a grip on the game.

Batley forwards seemed to be in awe of returning prop Jayson Pekepo. The Cook Islands international, granted a work permit after a two month struggle, looked impressive on his Lynx return.

Despite not being fully match fit, Pekepo made sure his opponents knew they had been in a game.

It was something of a surprise though when Batley regained the lead with a fine try by Gleadhill.

He completed his hat-trick on the stroke of half-time, leaving Lynx 16-6 down at the break.

Gleadhill did it again shortly after the break when he sneaked over on the last tackle after his team mates cleverly kept the ball alive.

But Lynx ensured the game stayed alive as a contest with a fine try under the posts by Alexander.

However, another frustrating error close to the line allowed Batley's Nick Simpson to give the home side more breathing space.

Substitute Steve Barnett added another Batley try inside the last ten minutes, but Lynx achieved some late consolation when Danny Butler took a pass from Doherty to go over out wide.

After discussions with the touch judge, referee Mr Bates ruled the Butler had not stepped into touch and awarded another four points.

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