Since we met way back in the season, the fortunes of both clubs have headed in distinctly opposite directions. After five games Batley sat top of NL1 undefeated while Hornets searched desperately for a win. Now with the fat lady clearing her throat for the 2004 season, Hornets have one eye on the playoffs while Batley are keen not to get sucked into Halifax’s relegation wake.

There’s no doubt that the Batley of earlier in the season put in an appearance at Post Office road last week as the Bulldogs pulled off an impressive win over an inconsistent Featherstone - their first there since 1950.

Fev had the game back at 18-all after trailing at half time - only for batley to hit the gas in the last quarter and drag it - up the slope - out of Fev’s reach. Reports suggest that it was Batley’s defence - which refused to buckle under intense pressure - that won them the game; soaking up 24 tackles in their own 20m zone at one stage to snuff out the Rovers. In fact they kept Featherstone off the score board for the last 25 minutes of the game.

Batley’s big weapon is that they are a team stronger than the sum of its parts and their big pack is steered around the field by kicking robot Barry Eaton and coach Gary Thornton reckons that - even though they need other sides to drop games - they can still make the six.

Obviously, the Bobster might have a view on that. Physically and emotionally drained after last week’s fantastic win over Halifax, he - and everyone - knows that progression into the playoffs lies in our own hands.

Unlike Hornets teams of the past, this one knows how to scrap it out, dig, in and win when it has to. Certainly, expectations have been elevated to unimaginably high levels and safety in NL1 alone would have been enough for all of us after we trudged off Mount Pleasant after the thrashing there - but having come so far, it’d be a shame for the ride to end just yet.

So get along to Spotland for our final home game; Celebrate what’s been an amazing season; show your appreciation of what’s been achieved and give the lads a vital lift in the run up to our massive game at Hull KR next week.

It’s been a huge effort from all of us and we thank you all. Be there on Sunday - you deserve it.