Bulldogs light up Blackpool

Batley upset the odds to lift the Northern Rail Cup thanks to a thrilling 25-24 victory over Widnes in Blackpool.

Alex Brown scored two late tries as the Bulldogs battled back from 24-15 down with 12 minutes left to lift their first major trophy since 1952.

The winger crossed out wide to bring his side back into the game before rising high to reel in Gareth Moore's kick to score in the corner.

The final hooter sparked scenes of delight amongst the Batley players and their fans, who stormed on to Bloomfield Road to celebrate.

Fast start

Making their first appearance in a cup final since 1998, the Bulldogs had raced out of the blocks at Bloomfield Road to surge 12-0 ahead.

They needed just four minutes to go ahead as ex-Castleford and Wakefield player Paul Handforth broke free from a scrum to set up Jason Walton.

Sean Hesketh added a second try just four minutes later, taking a Kris Lythe pass on the run to crash over from close range. Moore converted both tries.

However Widnes - who were boosted by the presence of coach Paul Cullen on the sidelines following time away on compassionate leave - hit back with two tries of their own in the space of three minutes.

A quick tap allowed prop Ben Davies to charge over before stand-off Anthony Thackeray threw a superb dummy to run in underneath the posts.

Although Shane Grady kicked the extras on both occasions, Moore made sure Batley went in ahead at the break with a drop goal and a penalty.

Vikings respond

Widnes responded at the start of the second half with a Paddy Flynn effort that put them ahead for the first time in the see-saw contest.

When Chris Gerrard then worked his way through the Bulldogs defence to go in under the posts, Widnes looked in control. Grady maintained his 100 percent record with the boot, putting his team nine points clear.

Yet Batley refused to be beaten on their big day out, with Brown the hero for Karl Harrison's side right at the death.

He firstly cut inside from the left touchline to score and, with just two minutes left to play, came up with the match-winning moment when he caught and finished a crossfield punt towards the left flank.

Moore's conversion attempt hit the post but it did not matter, Widnes proving unable to get their hands back on the ball before the final hooter sounded.