Ladbrokes Challenge Cup first round: Loughborough Universoity 4 Bradford Dudley Hill 38

MOVING Aiden Batey from full back to loose forward was not the only masterstroke that Bradford Dudley Hill pulled off in their 38-4 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup first-round tie at Loughborough University.

If Batey’s switch helped the defence, then moving Andy Walker from the second row to the centre after Dan Lee got a knock certainly aided the attack.

He intercepted and went 60 metres for his first try, and went 70 metres two minutes later – ironically in the 70th minute – before the man of the match completed his quickfire hat-trick in the 79th minute.

Also having former Bulls player Dave Halley playing in his proper position of full back for the first time for Hill was another boost.

Conditions were very blustery, but the ease with which the visitors coped and how sharp they were, despite having had no pre-season games beforehand, bodes well for their forthcoming National Conference campaign.

Loughborough – one of the top three student sides in the country – were competitive in the first half, and only trailed 16-4 at the interval, only for Hill to hit their straps more in the second half.

First-half tries for Hill came for centre Lee (14 minutes), winger Damian Smith (28) and stand-off Tony Williams, with winger Simon Sewell adding goals to the tries of Smith and Williams.

The hosts managed a try by winger Aaron Newton just before half-time, but could not add to that in the second half when Batey (47) and Sewell (56), who improved Batey’s score, scored prior to Walker’s 12-minute treble.

Hill also had centre Martin Southwell sin-binned just before Walker’s final try.

New Hill coach Anthony Huby said: “It was great to see the lads put into practice what we have been doing in my first pre-season as a head coach.

“There is still plenty to work on but that performance could stand us in good stead to have a real strong start to the season.”

First-team manager Steve Wright added: "This was a great win and puts us in the hat, and if we get a home tie in Wednesday's draw for the second round we fancy our chances to progress if we play in the right manner.

"Callum Wilkins made a solid debut. It was a little bit faster than he is used to, but once he settled into it he looked more than ready for this level.

"Considering that we still have players of the quality of Neil Wall and Isaac Brown to come in, we have some decent depth and will give Anthony some headaches.

"Now the challenge is to get to the third round in the hope of challenging ourselves against pro or semi-pro opposition."