By Matt Lawton
May 3 2003

Leigh travel to West Yorkshire tomorrow to take on a Bulldogs side that won't be much like the "Team of the Year" of last season after the loss of their two influential half-backs of last year. The Bulldogs suprised many, many people last season when they produced a magical season that caught the imagination of the whole of the West Yorkshire town, though their fairytale on the pitch ended with defeat at Hilton Park against the Centurions in the Major Semi-Final of the play-offs. Batley's remarkable transformation from perennial strugglers to Grand Final contenders hadn't ended their though when, at a glitzy Northern Ford Premiership awards ceremony, the 'Dogs were unamiously named at "Team of the Year".

Unfortuantely, Batley aren't expected to do half as well this season after they lost their two most influential players during the pre-season break. Veteran Glen Tomlinson retired and returned to his native Australia, while Dean Lawford, who has named as NFP Player of the Year, made the step-up to the big time of Super League with a transfer to Widnes Vikings.

However, Batley will be no pushovers this season and will certainly pose a problem, in particular on their famously-sloping pitch at their Mount Pleasant home.

Centurions coach Paul Terzis is boosted for the trip by the return of three of his big-game players, after two injuries and a suspension respectively.

Try machine Damian Munro has recovered from injury along with former Lance Todd Trophy winner Leroy Rivett, while powerhouse centre Dale Cardoza returns from his suspension which forced him to miss the busy Easter period which opened the new era of National League One following his sending off in the shock Arriva Trains Cup defeat to Chorley Lynx.