The second division Championship formed in 2003 and the Batley Bulldogs have been there every season. The number of teams has varied, some have been promoted to Super League, others relegated to League One but one club stands out for staying put season after season.
Whether one views that as a positive achievement or not depends on what the objective is. The club would have liked a crack at SL but I personally don't think that would have been a good thing. It's not a top flight club regarding its facilities (pleasant as they may be) nor likely to have been sustainable.
The fact it's been good enough to avoid relegation year after year is something to commend Batley Bulldogs for. Now with IMG gradings deciding whether a club can attain SL status, it's unlikely the club will qualify in the future. A competitive side in the Championship for the locals to enjoy supporting is a fine thing in itself.
This sort of club is what Rugby League is built on. It's the foundation that SL rests upon and without the lower leagues and all those who keep the clubs running would there be a top flight professional league? The lower divisions are in my opinion the lifeblood of the sport.
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