Batley have now beaten Halifax four times this season, all in games which have been settled by less than than 8 points.

11-4 in a very tasty 'Champions of Champions' game
26-25 at the Shay in the NRC
36-28 at the Shay in the League
18-16 today at MP

I am just interested to hear why, having attended the games and read the rlfans and totalrl forums, that none of these results appear to be down to the skill, planning and fortitude of Batley.

I have spoken with, heard and read the attitudes of many Fax fans and it is always the referee's fault, because Fax have played badly or because a certain player is missing. Along with this there's been some astonishingly misplaced arrogance.

All I'm asking is you those who are guilty of this should show a bit of humility and give some deserved credit. We have a small but good quality squad who are well coached and motivated and it irks a little when this smug 'it's only Batley (insert any other club who've beaten you this year) attitude comes out when you've been outfought, out gameplanned or simple being pipped in a tight game between two evenly matched teams.

It's not 1986.

It's the nature of sports fans to find someone or something to blame when their team loses, and it's easy to pick out individual incidents when the score ends up close.

You're having a cracking season, and you're close to becoming our new bogey team (used to be Whitehaven).

Enjoy it and well done to your team.

Wondered how long it would be.

oh come off it christ do you want us to kiss your ass. You are a very combative well drilled side a bit like Whitehaven a few years back but attacking rugby is not at the forefront is it? (yes you scored 36 at the shay on a hot day) but i'm on about the last 2 seasons. Can't really have everything thatd be greedy becuse defence is Batley strength and its brilliant and we matched that today with a suprisingly good defence effort from ourselves. Although you deserved the other 3 no doubt today we deserved it Imo. Good luck for the rest of the season I think we might just play at the mount again, but next time we will win in k/o rugby

Batley were awesome today and fax were crap, happy now!

Oh and the one person that makes batley tick will be at the shay next season so enjoy rest of season.

In all seriousness though i think we could have won both league games this season. I think Batley probably deserved the win at the Shay as many fans on here agreed, dont let the truth get in the way of a good story though. I think we were the better team today and deserved to win. Thats my opinion.

Batley are a well organised workman like team. Why do you think we hav taken your coach? With a bit of money to spend i think he can do very well for us.

And thats where you will fall flat on your faces, having more money to spend than you have got now will only get you even better paid big names who will still fail to impress, seriously you dont need big name big money signings to build a team.

probably not but it helps

Batley are always getting praised on here. Of course there's little factors straight after our games that people may point to as to why their team didn't win but no ones appeared to think Batley are where they are because of luck and most think Batley are a good team. Not only that most people always mention how much they enjoy going to Mount Pleasant.

I've never really got the impression that most Fax fans don't respect Batley on all levels. But wtf do I know :-p

they have small club syndrome!!

funny thing is though were all same size now anyway now SL is closed.

Leigh have bitch-slapped Widnes since March 2008. Do you think the Mutants give Leigh any kudos for it? No. They're still superior to them. It's the same in this example. Don't lose any sleep over it. No-one cares.

Gets better every time I read that stat Rich.

I sensed a MASSIVE sigh of relief today from the West. 4,000 Widnes fans in unison fell to their knees and thanked God that their Leigh nightmare is finally over. Terry Waite looked in a better state after they un-handcuffed him from those Lebanese radiators after 4 years. And now, off they go to Super League - all the better for it

At least it prepares them for expecting defeats before they've even turned up.

Rich, you are my hero.

Your a barsteward, im never ever speaking to you again.

We should have beat them today, 3 clean breaks without a finish and we now leave this league with a bitchy feeling in the back of the mind. Pre season friendly must be organised so we can show our Super League muscle and run over them.


It would seem Batley are now bitching the Fax.

Hmmmm, £1.2m versus £300k. Go get 'em Vicky !

And with regards to Batley - indeed they are. It's the main reason we're nicking their coach next year and probably picking the bones over their squad. Always evolve Vikingman, assimilate if you have to. Don't just lie face down taking it.

Not sure were all these Harrison rumours are coming from, heard today he's lined up for a current SL job.

Exactly, muscles are to be flexed when your drinking wine and eating roids.

Not going Thursday, dont want a banner slapping me in the face with a flatcapper army chanting rude words.

Maybe you are right. Look where having these big name players has got us over the last 3 seasons.

Yeah, nowhere, you're still slumming it and having to pick up the scraps off Batleys table.

I was thinking more, 2 Grand Finals and A northern rail cup final. I for one wouldnt change that for the world and i guess even though you have touched the NRC i suspect Batley fans are slightly jealous of their more ilustrious neighbours which i guess is where this inferiority complex comes from. Where as Fax fans really arnt that bothered as we like small town local clubs and want them to do well.