Thursday afternoon saw the Bulldogs announce the retention of influential half-back Paul Handforth for the 2011 campaign.  Handforth, who signed from Doncaster in 2009 has been in inspired form this season and the fact that he has decided to stay at the Mount for another term is a huge boost to the club.

Wednesday evening saw the latest player recruited to the Batley Bulldogs squad for 2011 as long-serving hooker Kris Lythe put pen to paper to sign up for another season at the Mount.  As next season's squad continues to take shape, expect more announcements over the next few days.

The club has announced on Wednesday afternoon that prop-forward David Tootill has committed to the Bulldogs for the 2011 season.  Formerly with the Leeds Rhinos and Harlequins, Tootill has had an outstanding season at the Mount and his capture for next term is seen as a significant coup.  The club are currently busy with other negotiations so watch this space!

Please come along to this Year’s presentation night which will be held on the 17th September and will be held at the Frontier Club Batley. Admission is FREE and children are welcome up to 11pm. The doors will be open from 7pm and a party group called “The Solicitors” will be performing on the night.

The club is pleased to announce that in-demand prop-forward Sean Hesketh has agreed to remain at the Bulldogs for the 2011 season.  Former Featherstone and York forward Hesketh has been courted by Super League clubs, but it represents a major coup for the club that he will be at the Mount next term.  The club are working hard on negotiations elsewhere and further news is expected over the weekend so keep tuned to the website.

If your not going down to Wembley for the final, why not watch the game with fellow rugby fans in the Bulldog Bar at Batley. All draft beer will be £2 a pint and food will be available throughout the day. The bar on Saturday will be open from 1pm.

The Bulldogs concluded their Co-operative Championship campaign on Sunday with a disappointing 26-12 defeat at already relegated Whitehaven.  Tries came from Johnny Campbell (his 30th of the season creating a new club record - more to follow) and Sean Hesketh, but it had meaningless end-of-season encounter written all over it as the 'Dogs ended the season with a whimper.

Batley Bulldogs supporters will no doubt become Centurions for the day on Thursday when Sheffield Eagles entertain Leigh at Bramall Lane live on Sky TV (kick-off: 7.35pm).  Last Sunday's defeat for the 'Dogs at Halifax means that they must now rely on Ian Millward's side preventing the Eagles from obtaining a bonus point tomorrow.  If such a result transpires, it would leave Karl Harrison's men needing to win at Whitehaven on Sunday to clinch the final Championship play-off berth.