Batley Bulldogs Rugby League

Like many National League clubs Batley Bulldogs have to go back a long way for their golden era.

They were one of the original 22 clubs to form the Northern Rugby Union in 1895 and got off to a brilliant start, winning the Challenge Cup three times in the first five years of the tournament's existence.

In 1897 they beat St Helens 10-3 in the final at Leeds and retained the trophy when they overcame Bradford 7-0 at the same venue the following year. They then lifted the Challenge Cup for a third and final time in 1901 after a 6-0 win over Warrington at Leeds.

Since then, though, success has been minimal, being largely restricted to county competitions – with a Yorkshire Cup success in 1912-13, and Yorkshire League triumphs in 1898-99 and 1923-24 – although they were crowned overall League champions for the only time in 1924.

Despite their early success Batley Bulldogs are one of the clubs never to play in the top flight since the League split into two divisions.

The Bulldogs did achieve promotion to the top division in 1995, but the chance to play in the top flight was taken away when the Super League was introduced and they were not selected to play in the inaugural season.

While Batley may not have achieved much success recently, one of their players did break an individual world record in 2003, Barry Eaton landing 38 consecutive goalkicks.