A CLASSIC this match wasn't, but if success is to be achieved at the end of the season this game will be remembered as the one where it all started, when Lancs Lynx beat Batley Bulldogs on their own turf 17 to 16.

Playing at one of the smallest grounds in the country, Mount Pleasant, Lynx stook to the basics and showed tremendous determination to pull off a deserved victory.

However Steve Hampson's side started poorly when Bulldogs scrum half Gary Barnett crossed to send Batley in to a 4-0 lead.

Cheered on by their faithful travelling fans, Lynx responded well when centre Steve Ashcroft opened Lancashire's scoring for the second week running.

After Phil Jones kicked two goals the once again impressive Andy Ruane dropped a goal to send the Lynx in to a 9-4 half time lead.

Further hard tackling from both teams led to aggressive play on the narrow pitch.

Lynx once again started the second half poorly and suddenly found themselves trailing when second rower Myers scored easily. His try was converted by Richard Price to send his team in to a 10-9 lead.

Determined Lynx battled back hard and immediately struck when Phil Jones ran through the leaky defence. He converted his try and after 45 minutes the Deepdale side led 15-10.

Both defences remained strong and the backs found it very difficult to gain yards towards the try line.

Lancashire captain Andy Ruane led by example and extended the lead when he dropped a goal to move the score on to 16-10.

As time ticked by Ruane kept his head to send another drop goal over the posts. With Lynx up by seven the Bulldogs needed two scores with only five minutes remaining.

Half backs Price and Barnett combined well to open up the Lynx defence and Price ran through to dive over. A tense couple of minutes followed as Batley, trailing by a point, stormed the Lynx line.

Suddenly an injury time penalty was awarded to the Bulldogs on the halfway line. A nervous Price, trying to prevent his side losing their first home game for two seasons, stepped up and narrowly hit the ball wide of the post.

Lynx coach Steve Hampson was delighted with the win and after the game praised his players. He said: "It was a really tough game played on a very narrow pitch. The lads did really well to come away with the two points."

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