Davey expecting tough Batley challenge

27/02/2020

Ahead of the Eagles’ trip to Batley Bulldogs this weekend, hooker James Davey has predicted a tough encounter for Mark Aston’s men.

Coming into the match after beating Halifax in the fourth-round of the Challenge Cup, the Eagles are looking to pick up their first league victory of 2020.

A late Oliver Davies try sealed Sheffield’s progression in the cup but Davey has his sights set on the next couple of games as the Eagles aim to climb the Betfred Championship table.

“We definitely wanted to get that first win and it was a confidence booster for ourselves,” he said.

“Getting that first one out of the way is good but we need to crack on now and pick up a few more.

“It has given the squad confidence.

“We have had three really tough games with Halifax first up, followed by the two full-time teams in Leigh and Toulouse.

“We want to get on track now against Batley and Bradford.

“We need to tick them off and get two wins really.”

Batley are renowned for having a big forward pack and making life difficult for teams who visit the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

The infamous Mount Pleasant slope is something Batley have the potential to use well, a fact Davey knows after his stint with the Bulldogs.

“They are a good side who have started okay this year,” he added.

“They have a big set of forwards and playing down at Batley, they play the field well.

“We need to be on top form to get a result there.”

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman