Rams will build on derby effort

Dewsbury showed real heart to fight back from 18-0 down at half-time to score four second half tries and although they eventually lost 28-18 it would have been much closer had the Rams kicked their goals.

Morrison said: “We had 12 new players coming together for the first time but we will continue to improve.

“We worked as a team and showed glimpses of what we have worked on in the last six weeks (of training) and it was good to get our first hit out.

“When we got possession in the second half we were able to build pressure and score some points.

“The commitment shown was good and I was impressed with our defensive effort.

“If we had kicked all our goals there would have only been two points in it.”

Morrison also pointed to a key stage in the game when Scott Spaven appeared to charge down a kick on the last tackle but instead of playing on — as per one of three rules being trailed in the game stated — referee Chris Leatherbarrow wiped the count clear and Batley went on to score.

Dewsbury’s display also earned high praise from Bulldogs coach John Kear and they now have two weeks before returning to action with back-to-back home friendlies with Halifax (January 6) and Bradford Bulls (January 13).

Morrison is looking forward to seeing his side develop and is sure they will be firing on all cylinders come the first Championship game of the season at Doncaster on February 3.

Morrison added: “We wanted tough friendlies so the boys can gel quickly. We have Fax and Bradford to come and we will look to improve and get closer to our final project.

“It was good to see the boys working on things we have done in training and we will keep working on those so we are ready for Donny on the first week in February.”