Swinton Lions 23, Batley Bulldogs 14

WHEN most people saw the Swinton team for Wednesday night's Gigg Lane clash against Batley they weren't inspired with confidence.

However, the Lions turned in their most gutsy performance of the season to earn a victory despite a 23rd minute sending off of Jason Hunter.

In only the second minute Batley were caught offside and from the penalty the Lions worked the ball downfield. Some crisp passing allowed Howard Hill to go over for a try, which Ian Watson failed to convert. The Lions were well on top and had all the early pressure. Watson's high kick to the corner almost resulted in a try for Marlon Billy, then some good quick passing saw the Lions go close again but this time Billy just put a foot in touch.

The Bulldogs came back into the game with their first attack, resulting in a Brock McDonald try being disallowed for a knock-on.

Jeremy Dyson got them off the mark with a penalty goal when the Lions were caught offside in front of their own posts.

From the kick-off Batley came back upfield and Dyson crossed for a try despite Welsby's despairing ankle tap. With his conversion, the Bulldogs full-back made the score 4-8.

After Hunter was sent off for an apparent headbutt the Lions regrouped and turned the game on its head.

A long spell of pressure in the Batley quarter paid off when Richie Eyres went over for a try, converted by Watson.

With the half-time hooter looming, Watson added a drop goal to give his team an 11-8 interval lead.

The second half signalled the start of a Lions onslaught that lasted for the next 40 minutes. Eyres went close from a great break by Casey before Watson was successful with another drop goal attempt.

Credit Batley for not giving up, though. On the hour mark Paul Gledhill scored a try for the visitors after good approach work by Craig Lingard and Andy Lippiatt.

The Lions were soon back on the attack and Steve Gartland's long pass almost got Jim Evans over but Gledhill just managed to push the winger into touch.

Birthday boy and man of the match Welsby was set up for a try under the posts by Eyres and Casey which Watson converted.

The Lions' third drop goal, this time by Sean Casey, took the score to 19-14.

With nine minutes remaining, and from another Batley handling mistake, Watson was heavily involved in a move which resulted in Richard Henare getting round the outside of the defence for an unconverted try.

Batley's Richard Price had a try disallowed near the end for a forward pass . And Watson was wide with yet another drop goal attempt.

Although Welsby won the man of the match award, Watson and Cliff Eccles ran him very close and the whole team were magnificent.

The Lions entertain York at Gigg Lane on Sunday.

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