Rams succumb tolate rally by leaders

Halifax 34

DEWSBURY Rams were unfortunate to lose against Co-operative Championship leaders Halifax in last Thursday’s televised game at Tetley’s Stadium

Dewsbury were the better side for long periods and they bossed the first half, enjoying the better territory and pressure, and the visitors had to rely on two defensive errors for the two tries that kept them in the game at the break.

Rams piled on the pressure early on and Daley Williams, making his debut after his move from Batley Bulldogs, had a try disallowed.

Halifax launched their first meaningful attack after 10 minutes as Sean Penkywicz kicked towards the posts and Sam Barlow scored, with Lee Paterson converting.

The Rams pegged Halifax back and Patch Walker’s inviting grubber was grounded by Crossley midway through the half. Walker added the extras and he edged Dewsbury 8-6 ahead with a penalty.

Scott Spaven put the on-rushing James Craven over the whitewash soon after and Walker’s goal put the Rams 14-6 up but former Batley man Sean Hesketh replied with a try between the posts. Handforth’s goal cut the deficit to two points at the break.

The visitors hit back seven minutes into the second half through Jim Gannon’s try, Paterson’s goal edging the visitors into an 18-14 lead.

The Rams replied with Walker’s clever kick bouncing off the cross-bar and into the hands of Cosgrove who crashed over.

Walker’s fourth goal gave Rams the initiative at 20-18 and it got better for the hosts when a superb move across the width of the field put Austin Buchanan racing over in the corner to make it 24-18.

Former Ram Adam Robinson scored from close range and Paterson’s goal levelled.

Halifax hit the front with less than 10 minutes left when Anthony Bowman raced through in the corner to score and the win was secured when Penkywicz charged over, Paterson adding the goal, in the final minute, which was harsh on the Rams.