Halifax 24 - 27 Dewsbury Rams

Match report by Tom Coates

Dean Lawford led the Rams to a superb first victory to really kick-start the league campaign at the Shay this afternoon. The lively scrum-half dropped a goal and had a hand in all five tries to send his side into the top half of the table at the end of Round 2.

It was the home side who opened the scoring after just three minutes. Successive penalties and quick hands across the wide Shay pitch sent Tim Hartley in next to the posts. The former Salford and Harlequins centre added the extras and Halifax held the lead.

But Andy Kelly's men were able to put their slow start behind them and respond magnificently with four tries in twenty minutes. First to strike for the Rams was leading try scorer Kevin Crouthers who clambered over after a trademark jinking run, outfoxing several 'Fax defenders.

Four minutes later and the rejuvenated visitors were over again. This time it was the returning Chris Hall who crossed out wide to put the Rams in front. Alex Bretherton then put daylight between the sides twelve minutes later before Liam Finn got his second of the campaign from short range.

It was then the hosts turn to threaten but the Dewsbury defence held firm against some sustained pressure in the final third - The spirited defensive effort led bravely by Alex Bretherton, Josh Weeden and the returning Luke Haigh. The home side's pressure eventually paid off however on the stroke of half-time when former Ram Damien Ball strolled through the tiring Rams line to touch down under the posts.

Half-time: 12-18

The second period began with a try to 'Fax half-back Paul White but the conversion was missed and the battling Rams held on to their slender advantage. A penalty kick from Francis Maloney five minutes later provided some breathing space but one suspected that there were plenty more points to be had over the next twenty minutes.

It was this final quarter that would make or break the game for Dewsbury. The unrelenting pressure the Rams endured in the first half resumed with Halifax hooker Sean Penkywicz beginning to cause the visitors some real problems from the ruck.

On 67 minutes, the Rams resistance was finally broken. A superb move plucked straight from the training ground resulted in Marcus George collecting Paul White's deft chip from the base of the scrum to crash over near the touchline. Crucially, the conversion was missed and the enterprising Dean Lawford was able to sneak his side in front shortly after with a coolly taken drop goal.

Halifax threatened to snatch victory away from the hard-working visitors but resolute tackling, coupled with immaculate discipline, kept Martin Hall's men at bay. The efforts of the desperate Rams defenders were rewarded when Dean Lawford's pin-point chip was met by the on-rushing Ian Preece who was able to crash over directly in front of the rapturous travelling Rams fans. Maloney added a difficult conversion and, despite a late consolation try, the Rams held on to record a crucial win.

Rams: Ian Preece, Kane Epati, Danny Maun, Chris Hall, Bryn Powell, Francis Maloney, Dean Lawford, Andy Hobson, Luke Haigh, Dominic Maloney, Kevin Crouthers, Alex Bretherton, Josh Weeden. Subs: Liam Finn, Andy Spink, Martin Robinson, David Bates.