Batley Bulldogs 16-22 London Broncos
Mount Pleasant
29/04/12
Wet and windy
After the draw was made we made our plans to go up to Batley. The demolition of Dewsbury (albeit a weakened Dewsbury) in the previous round provided us with confidence, but this was always going to be a tough game. The whole way up was wet. The rain seemed to get heavier just as we reached Sheffield. On the way to Batley you pass Dewsbury's ground with the two being about 10 minutes apart.
We arrived an hour or so early which meant that we were able to take advantage of the promotional deal being run. The rain and wind seemed to be worse. We made our way onto the terrace where we met up with Ben from Benhallgroundhopping (note to self: Mention lack of updates.....again) and his mate james. They are an odd pair. They hated the ref. Started shouting about Bradford Bulls. And did the Poznan towards the end of the game. By themselves. Oh and during half time Ben led a rendition of "sheep sheep sheep" in honour of FC Dordrecht before scoring a screamer with some kids ball. Who needs messi, eh?
The ground is perched on the top of a massive hill. On a nice day you could probably see other to Huddersfield. The slop from the corner in one side is one of the best in sport. Behind one end was the main terrace. This was a large modern stand that would be welcome at many lower league football grounds and you can obviously make a decent racket in. Along either sides are smaller seated stands. One is aligned with centre while the other is pushed up in the corner. Each side and the far end then has uncovered terracing, although one section is derelict and not used. The ground is completed with 8 floodlights.
The game was entertaining to say the least. This was helped by the slope and the weather. Broncos took an early lead and managed to sneak into half time at 16-12 after attacking down the hill. The second half proved more difficult due to them having to defend the slope but they managed to hold on after a mini comeback from the batley team. Both teams can hold their heads up to that as Batley but in a great performance and on another day could have easily got through to the last 8, while broncos got the job done. After the game the home support (and Ben) seemed angry at the referee for the manner Broncos scored their final try, but I can't comment as I forgot why. I do remember one person shouting "disgrace to super league"
After the game we made our way back via Rotherham to see their old and new ground. We look forward to the draw for the next round hoping for a home tie or Leigh/Huddersfield away as they are new grounds that could be winnable. Next week sees Broncos at Orient for the game versus Bradford.
We arrived an hour or so early which meant that we were able to take advantage of the promotional deal being run. The rain and wind seemed to be worse. We made our way onto the terrace where we met up with Ben from Benhallgroundhopping (note to self: Mention lack of updates.....again) and his mate james. They are an odd pair. They hated the ref. Started shouting about Bradford Bulls. And did the Poznan towards the end of the game. By themselves. Oh and during half time Ben led a rendition of "sheep sheep sheep" in honour of FC Dordrecht before scoring a screamer with some kids ball. Who needs messi, eh?
The ground is perched on the top of a massive hill. On a nice day you could probably see other to Huddersfield. The slop from the corner in one side is one of the best in sport. Behind one end was the main terrace. This was a large modern stand that would be welcome at many lower league football grounds and you can obviously make a decent racket in. Along either sides are smaller seated stands. One is aligned with centre while the other is pushed up in the corner. Each side and the far end then has uncovered terracing, although one section is derelict and not used. The ground is completed with 8 floodlights.
The game was entertaining to say the least. This was helped by the slope and the weather. Broncos took an early lead and managed to sneak into half time at 16-12 after attacking down the hill. The second half proved more difficult due to them having to defend the slope but they managed to hold on after a mini comeback from the batley team. Both teams can hold their heads up to that as Batley but in a great performance and on another day could have easily got through to the last 8, while broncos got the job done. After the game the home support (and Ben) seemed angry at the referee for the manner Broncos scored their final try, but I can't comment as I forgot why. I do remember one person shouting "disgrace to super league"
After the game we made our way back via Rotherham to see their old and new ground. We look forward to the draw for the next round hoping for a home tie or Leigh/Huddersfield away as they are new grounds that could be winnable. Next week sees Broncos at Orient for the game versus Bradford.