Skolars' baptism of fire against rugby league's big boys continued apace on Sunday as they succumbed to a powerful Bulldogs outfit.

The afternoon got off to the worst possible start when Batley's Simon Lewis scored a try from an early penalty. And when full back Craig Lingard moved into the line to score on the left soon after the home side were 10-0 down after just five minutes.

Working extremely hard to get back in the game, Skolars were almost rewarded with tries of their own as both Kahu Henare and Obi Ijeoma went close.

It was only on the half-hour mark that Batley added to their lead when a well-timed kick by Barry Eaton found Matt Bramald to score under the posts. This was quickly followed by another Lingard try and after Mark Sibson scored just before half time the visitors secured a commanding 28-0 at the break.

Skolars again started the second half badly.

Lingard stepped through the defence for his hat-trick and a few moments later Anthony Gibbons scooted over the whitewash.

Strong tackling by Ijeoma and Glenn Osbourn stopped the scoring sequence and again Skolars started to fight back.

Jake Johnstone opened up the defence from 30 metres out to stride over for a try he converted on 55 minutes.

The comeback was short-lived. Simon Lewis scored his second try before Paul Harrison caught a long bouncing kick to run 40 metres to the line.

Johnstone again showed great skill to break through the line and score his second for the Skolars, but the Bulldogs had the final say with a last-minute try to Chris Hough.

Skolars start their National League Two season on Good Friday, but first face another tough Arriva Trains Cup fixture away to Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday.