MATCH REPORT: London Broncos 14-16 Batley Bulldogs
Jake Watson • 13 April 2025
LONDON BRONCOS V BATLEY BULLDOGS (by David Ballheimer)
London Broncos (6) 14, Batley Bulldogs (6) 16
London Broncos suffered the agony of conceding a last-play try to lose to the Batley Bulldogs. The truth is that London paid the penalty for dominating large parts of the game, especially the early part of the second half, but wasted great attacking positions with sloppy passes, poor run options or ineffective kicks.
This is not the Bulldogs’ first two-point win over the Broncos, not even the first on 12 April because, 44 years ago – my first ever away game as a fan – the Londoners lost 10–8 to the Gallant Youths at Mount Pleasant. There were five tries at the Cherry Red, four more than I witnessed a week before Easter 1981.
In fact, it took barely four minutes for the first four-pointer (and it was a three-pointer in 1981!). An overcooked last-tackle kick from London gave Batley a seven-tackle set from their 20 and they didn’t need all of them as Jack Render cut inside from the right wing to touch down and make Josh Woods’ conversion easier.
Batley nearly made it back-to-back scores, aided by a penalty, but the diagonal kick was knocked on in goal. The Broncos then had a repeat set near to the Bulldogs’ posts, but a shepherd gave Batley the ball back. Two brilliant tackles by Alex Walker then stopped great try-scoring chances for the Bulldogs. One of those runs was called back for a penalty, and Batley tried to extend their lead with a 35-metre penalty, but Woods curled his kick wide of the right post.
At the other end, Walker leapt high to grab a bomb from Luke Polselli and although he just about won the contest, he never really had clean control of the ball.
Twelve minutes before half-time, London, enterprisingly trying to bring the ball away from their 10-metre line, threw a pass that went into touch, giving Batley the shortest of fields from where to start a possession, but the Broncos’ defence held out superbly.
The scores were levelled on the stroke of half-time when a hand in a Broncos pass gave them seven more tackles –technically a Batley knock-on – and Sadiq Adebiyi drove right to the Bulldogs line before being stopped. London moved the ball to the right and skipper Will Lovell strolled through a big hole in the Batley defence to score close enough to the posts for Chris Hellec to add the extras.
The Broncos started the second half very strongly with a good defensive set and then powerful runs right to the Batley line, but both Huw Worthington and Polselli were ruled held up in goal, a decision the former thought was unfair on him as he felt he had grounded the ball.
Aaron Small suffered a facial injury which led to his replacement by Lewis Bienik and the big prop, not playing left centre, made two barn-storming runs, the second of which saw him crash over the line to give the Broncos their first lead of the evening.
The lead lasted less than five minutes as after conceding a penalty on half-way, London had to defend another short field and Woods skipped through a hole to touch down and convert his own score.
With 10 minutes to go, Walker was brought down by a high tackle 10 metres from the Batley line, but Hellec missed the presentable kick. The Bulldogs then had a chance to win it with a Woods drop goal, but he hit the right post and Adebiyi caught the rebound cleanly.
In the 77th minute, another high shot, this time on Polselli, 40 metres out. London could have kicked for the corner and tried to score a try, but the Batley defence had been very solid. Instead, the ball was given to Hellec with a second chance to kick the two points and, this time, he made no mistake.
The Broncos, realistically, needed only to gather the kick-off, keep the ball for the full set and kick to touch inside the Bulldogs 20-metre area. Having taken a minute off the clock with the penalty goal, the possession would have taken almost another minute, and Batley would have had probably only two plays to go 80–90 metres.
The Bulldogs won the restart, Woods’ perfectly-weighted kick going about 11 metres. The Broncos’ defence was as desperate as Batley’s attack, for obviously different reasons. But Woods, at the hub of all of the Bulldogs’ best movements, drew in a couple of tacklers before flicking the ball to Joe Burton. He was able to get the ball out to Alfie Dean, hugging the left sideline. He beat the last tackler and touched down in the corner.
Moments later, the hooter sounded, London players sank to their knees in exhaustion and misery while Batley’s men celebrated a much-needed victory. Woods’ kick didn’t trouble the touch-judges, but it didn’t matter.
London Broncos: 1 Alex Walker, 2 Chris Hellec, 21 Chris Ball, 20 Aaron Small, 5 Liam Tindall, 6, Luke Polselli, 28 Jenson Binks, 18 Ben Hursey-Hord 9 Curtis Davies, 10 Lewis Bienek, 11 Will Lovell, 12 Sadiq Adebiyi, 13 Marcus Stock. Replacements 8 Huw Worthington, 17, Jensen Monk, 22 Matt Ross, 23 Sam Winney. 18th man: 32 Jamie Hewson.
Tries: Lovell (40), Bienek (50)
Goals: Hellec 3/4
Sin-bin: None
Batley Bulldogs: 1 Robbie Butterworth, 19 Jack Render, 25 Jayden Myers, 2 Joe Burton, 26 Alfie Dean, 6 Ben White, 7 Josh Woods, 8 Adam Gledhill, 23 Jonah Parsons, 13 James Brown, 3 Oliver Greensmith, 37 Cain Staveley, 17 Luke Blake. Replacements: 9 Alistair Leek, 16 Michael Ward, 22 Luka Atkinson, 36 Logan Baylis Brow.18th man: 20 Paul Chitakunye.
Tries: Render (4), Woods (56), Dean (80)
Goals: Woods 2/4
DG: Woods 0/1
Sin-bin: None
Referee: Ryan Cox
HT: 6–6
Penalty awarded count: 7–5
Attendance: TBA
Mike Eccles appointed Director of Rugby to lead London Broncos’ football strategy The London Broncos are proud to announce that Mike Eccles has been appointed as Director of Rugby, formalising his leadership role as the Club continues to build towards a potential Super League return in 2026. Eccles is a familiar name to Broncos fans, having originally served as Head of High Performance before stepping into the Head Coach role in 2022, where he guided the team through one of its most remarkable chapters - promotion back to the Super League. His vision, resilience, and leadership during that period cemented his status as one of the most respected figures in the Club’s modern history. In this new position, Eccles will oversee all football operations, player performance, and development pathways, ensuring that the Broncos maintain the highest possible standards both on and off the field. His appointment reflects the Club’s ambition to professionalise its structures, creating a system that nurtures players, fosters excellence, and delivers a sustainable competitive edge. “This role gives me the chance to ensure the Broncos’ football programme is as strong and forward-thinking as possible,” Eccles said. “London deserves a rugby league club that can compete at the top level, and everything we’re putting in place is designed to make that a reality.” For the sport more broadly, Eccles’ elevation underscores the Broncos’ determination to be not just participants, but genuine competitors, capable of reigniting rugby league in the nation’s capital and inspiring the next wave of talent from London and the South. #WeAreLondon
London, Midlands and East Men's Teams will face off at Brentwood Eels on 28 Sep!
The South win both U14 & U16 Series 2-0 in outstanding display of rugby league!
London Broncos appoint Jason Demetriou as Head Coach The London Broncos are pleased to officially announce the appointment of Jason Demetriou as our Men’s team Head Coach, bringing significant NRL coaching expertise and a clear vision to the Club’s preparations for the 2026 season. Demetriou joins the Club on a three-year deal commencing in 2026. Demetriou, most recently Head Coach of South Sydney Rabbitohs, is widely regarded for his ability to develop elite talent and build high-performing squads. His coaching philosophy emphasises professionalism, resilience, and attacking rugby league — qualities that will resonate strongly with Broncos players and supporters alike. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Club. While awaiting confirmation of its Super League return, the Broncos have set about establishing a coaching and performance structure that would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any top-flight organisation. “London has incredible potential as a rugby league city,” Demetriou commented. “The Club’s ambition and the opportunity to help shape its future at this important stage made this an exciting challenge. I can’t wait to get started.” For London, the appointment is more than a change of coach. It is a sign of the Broncos’ intent to rekindle enthusiasm across the capital, bring elite rugby league to a wider audience, and establish a team capable of thriving in Super League. #WeAreLondon
The North looking to level the Series at Game 2 in Twickenham on Sunday!
London Broncos Announce Super League Ambitions and New Ownership London Broncos are excited to confirm that it has formally provided a comprehensive submission to the RFL’s Super League 2026 Application Process and Criteria. The comprehensive bid submission represents a clear vision for the future of the London Broncos and for the growth of the game in London. The submission is a detailed operational and financial plan for the Club to achieve financial sustainability and success both on and off the field. The London Broncos are proposing changes in governance at the Club, including a new ownership group which will consist of rugby league legend Darren Lockyer, successful businessman Grant Wechsel and Gary Hetherington. These changes will provide the Club with the capital, commitment, credibility and capability that are required to be a competitive force in the top-tier competition.
Will play Featherstone Rovers in London on 28 Sep for a place in Super League!
POST-MATCH REACTION: Broncos sign off 2025 with win London Broncos rounded up the season with an impressive win away at Widnes Vikings. Both Mike Eccles and Will Lovell have been fantastic club servants but will have different roles at the club next season under the proposed new ownership. We spoke to both following yesterday conclusion to the year. #WeAreLondon
TEAM NEWS: Widnes Vikings vs London Broncos Here is your starting line up for this afternoon’s final league game of the season away at Widnes Vikings. Jensen Monk comes in to start at prop as Adebiyi and Hursey-Hord drop out of the squad following injuries last weekend. Rob Oakley is in the matchday squad and is joined on the interchanges with Rugless, Porter and Ross. Today Lewis Bienek makes his 150th appearance and Will Lovell his 250th - and also his 198th for the club moving him into 2nd all time. #WeAreLondon
The Best of North London vs the Best of South London do battle in Brentwood
