2-12 down at half time against Whitehaven, they overcame a 'robust' challenge to win 26-16 to bring themselves within a point of both 'haven and Doncaster.

The Bulldogs' backline has a distinct whiff of the Biff about it with Mark Sibson and Anthony Gibbons paired on one flank. On the other side, Matt Bramald has the dubious pleasure of being matched with gobby poseur Danny Maun - who spent the whole of the second half at Mount (un)Pleasant mouthing off to the to the touch judge, the referee, the crowd, the ball boy - anyone who'd listen, basically. He was sin-binned last week for dissent. ?nuff said!.

Up front the pack is led by veteran Big Joe Nadiole. Joe still has the ability to give defences plenty to think about His usual propping partner, ex-Hornet Craig Booth, is struggling to overcome strained arm ligaments and the alternative is another ex-Hornet Joe Berry. The no.10 jersey last week was filled by Steve Hill.

Batley also enjoy a surfeit of hookers with Will Cartledge (try scorer last week) in the starting spot and the crafty Mark Cass providing the option.

But you couldn?t really write a preview of Batley without mentioning Rugby League?s favourite kicking robot Barry Eaton. How that lad just loves to put boot to ball - any opportunity, really. Five goals last week (a good return from four tries) and a total for the season of 48 (just 25 goals short of Mick Nanyn!) in what?s been an underperforming team says it all.

Once again Hally will be looking for continuity and consistency, with as few changes as possible. Having come through last week?s game with no serious injuries, Martin will have a full squad to choose from - and will be buoyed by the superb return to action of Wayne McHugh.

Chances of upsets amongst the top three look slim on the ground this week - Salford at Dewsbury (take your abacus) and Leigh at Doncaster (close for an hour, I imagine) mean that Hornets need to rack up another good win to keep the heat on the ?big two?. And with Hornets closing the gap on Leigh?s points difference all the time (just 49 points between us), a big win against the Bulldogs will really boost the challenge.

The support against the Rams last week was great - vociferous and passionate - but it remains a mystery why the Rugby League The support against the Rams last week was great - vociferous and passionate - but it remains a mystery why the Rugby League supporters of Rochdale won?t get behind this quite exceptional team in numbers.

It?s not an unrealistic expectation in a town the size of Rochdale - and with a team of this quality - that we could draw just another five or six hundred spectators. That would give us a really good platform to build from. All we can do is keep telling people that we have a great side and a great spirit here - and wonder how they can miss out on it.

As always, your support makes a real difference - together we can tangibly lift the lads and show that we?re all in this together.

Batley will be coming to spoil the party on Sunday - and every Hornets supporter?s voice is needed to let them know just who the daddy is in the national league. It?ll be another belter on Sunday - wear your Hornets shirt with pride and bring a mate. You?d be mad to miss it.