Rams aim to end losing league run

Dewsbury have not won in the league since defeating Swinton 23-18 on March 3, although they did record a handsome 56-6 Challenge Cup victory over amateurs Myton Warriors three weeks ago.

The Rams put up a brave effort at Sheffield last Sunday but they let a 16-0 half-time lead slip and eventually bowed out of the cup 30-16.

Dewsbury made a terrific start at the Don Valley Stadium and threatened an upset when they led 16-0 after 14 minutes.

Matthew Tebb got the ball rolling with a fifth minute try, converted by Bobby Goulding.

Dale Morton then scored twice in the space of just four minutes, the first again improved by Goulding, to leave Sheffield stunned before the Eagles mounted a second half fightback.

It was two former Rams who helped plot their downfall as Pat Walker was among the Eagles five try scorers, while Dominic Brambani landed five goals.

Quentin Lauulu-Togagae, Matt Garside, Mitch Stringer and Misi Taulapapa also crossed for Sheffield.

Attention now returns to the Championship as Dewsbury bid to consolidate their play in the top eight against a Workington Town side, who have not won away in the league since a 14-10 opening day success over Swinton.

Glenn Morrison handed a debut to new signing Kieran Hyde at Sheffield, starting the former Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Wildcats man at stand-off and moving Aaron Brown to loose forward, a switch which paid off.

Morrison said: “In the first half we produced an almost perfect 40 minutes of footy and we proved when what we are capable of doing when we stick to our game plan.

“We are starting to get it into the boys heads that they are a good side and we will now look to build confidence.”

Lucas Walshaw played in Wakefield’s emphatic cup win over Hemel Stags last weekend but he is set to return for the Rams on Sunday.

Morrison added: “We had five players missing at Sheffield with injuries and unavailability because of the cup.

“Kieran Hyde played really well and gave us something different in the halves but moving Browny to loose forward still allowed him to play with the ball in hand and he did really well too.

“It’s important we now start trying to play the same team week in week out and get some confidence into the boys.”

Dewsbury’s return trip to Sheffield in the Championship on May 3 will now be played at Don Valley Stadium.

The match was originally scheduled for Bramall Lane but Sheffield United are in the League One play-off that week.

n Dewsbury have re-arranged their home game with Keighley Cougars for Sunday May 12 (kick off 3pm).