York Knights v Batley Bulldogs: Match Preview

Sep 11, 2025
2 min read

🤝 York RLFC Match Previews are proudly sponsored by David Lloyd York!

York Knights return home to the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday (3pm) for their final game of the regular season in the Betfred Championship against Batley Bulldogs!

After a run of 18 consecutive wins, with 16 of those in the league, York sit top of the table, two points clear of Toulouse Olympique, and with a superior points difference. Toulouse play bottom of the table Hunslet on Saturday evening and would need a huge win to have a chance of overturning that difference.

If it’s confirmed that York will finish top of the table, the League Leaders Shield will be presented at the end of the match.

Mark Applegarth’s side go into the match after last week’s 56-0 win at Doncaster, which included hat-tricks for Toa Mata’afa and Jesse Dee, and two tries for Oli Field.

Batley have had a difficult season, and sit second bottom of the table with four wins and two draws. The most recent victory was a 40-6 win at Hunslet last month. Other wins have come against Sheffield Eagles (24-12 and 24-14), London (16-14), and Widnes (28-20), with the draws against Barrow (24-24) and Oldham (18-18).

They had a change of coach in June, with Mark Moxon stepping down and John Kear taking control until the end of the season. This will be his final game in charge, before former Knights’ boss, James Ford takes over in 2026.

Despite struggling to pick up points, Batley have pushed Oldham, Featherstone and Halifax in recent weeks. A win on Sunday could see them move above Sheffield Eagles and end the season in 11th place.

Last week, they lost 46-22 at Toulouse.

York travelled to the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium in March and ran out 23-10 winners with tries from Joe Law, Liam Harris, Jack Martin and Oli Field. Robbie Butterworth and Brad Martin scored for Batley.

Join us to see if York Knights can beat Batley Bulldogs in the Betfred Championship on Sunday (3pm) at the LNER Community Stadium and lift the League Leaders Shield!

Tickets are on sale NOW!

Tickets are priced at £22 for Adults, £17 for Concessions (16 to 21-year-olds and over 65s) and FREE for Under 16s!

To purchase your tickets online please click HERE! Alternatively you can head to the York SMC Ticket Office or call 01904 950950!

You can also secure your 2026 Season ticket with a £20 deposit and get a free ticket for you or a friend for the game! For more details click HERE! The deadline for this offer is kick off on Sunday.

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