Rams aim to storm play-offs

Dewsbury lie just outside the top-six, four points behind Keighley and five behind fifth-placed Leigh Centurions, with crucial away games against their two rivals to come.

Dewsbury do not play this week due to the Northern Rail Cup semi-finals but return to action next Friday with a vital trip to Leigh.

Coach Warren Jowitt was delighted with last week’s victory at York, which saw the Rams end a five-match losing run.

He said: “We have got as good a chance as anyone of making the top six now but we must remain focused.

“If we can get something out of our next two games against Leigh and Swinton, the ball would be in our court going to Keighley and it would then be down to us to determine the outcome.

“There was a lot of pressure on the players and myself going into the York game and we played like we were under pressure but thankfully we got the win and I was pleased in the manor which we came back to do it.

“We were very anxious and made a few mistakes. We were 10-0 up at half-time and it should have been more.

“We then had a five minute lull in the second half when they scored three quickfire tries to lead 18-10.

“We got back on top in the last 15 minutes, although it was nailbiting near the end because of our mistakes.”

Last Friday was particularly pleasing for centre Ryan Esders as he scored a brace of tries against his former club

Full-back James Craven continued his impressive form and caused York problems each time he came into the attacking line and he was rewarded with two tries.

Jowitt has not given up hope of adding to his squad before the transfer deadline of July 14 but he is confident the players he has at the club are capable of a top-six finish.

He added: “We should have beaten Leigh at home when two mistakes cost us but we will go into that game with bags of confidence and the players are certainly up for it.”

The Rams trained hard this week, despite having no game, but they will get time to relax together tonight when they go out ten-pin bowling.

Jowitt will be hoping his side can strike gold in the final six matches of the season and book a place in the play-offs.

n The supporters club bus to Leigh next Friday leaves Tetley’s Stadium at 5.30pm and Dewsbury bus station at 5.45pm. To book call Elsie on 01924 444407.