Rams pip Bulldogs as both sides return from a year in the rugby wilderness

Rugby league is back at Fox's Biscuits Stadium. Picture by Peter Smith

Veteran Paul Sykes' touchline conversion was the difference as visitors Dewsbury Rams came out on top in a surprisingley entertaining pre-season derby at Batley Bulldogs.

It was Bulldogs' first game in a day short of a year and Rams hadn't played for 51 weeks, but the quality of rugby was better than could be expected under the circumstanes.

Though there was little between the teams, Rams were the better team after the break and narrowly deserved their win.

Both coaches fielded all their available players - Batley using 24 and Dewsbury 29, though they weren't all listed on the teamsheet - and there were encouraging signs, despite all the changes.

Batley Bulldogs 20 Dewsbury Rams 22 - Heavy Woollen derby ends year-long layoff