Celtic Crusaders came crashing back to earth with defeat in the week they secured their Super League licence.

The Welsh side took advantage of the slope at Mount Pleasant with early tries from Aled James and Luke Dyer.

Jermaine McGilvary and Paul Mennell got Batley Bulldogs level, but Damien Quinn gave the Crusaders the half-time lead.

Byron Smith and Mark Lennon exchanged tries, but the home side finished stronger, tries from Kevin King and Luke Stenchion easing relegation fears.

Batley: Ian Preece, Jermaine McGilvary, Kevin King, Aaron Murphy, Johnny Campbell, Mark Barlow, Paul Mennell, Luke Stenchion, Kris Lythe, Craig Potter, Kevin Crouthers, Tim Spears, Mark Toohey.
Subs: Ashley Lindsay, James Archibald, Byron Smith, Anthony Henderson.

Tries: McGilvary (15), Mennell (29), Smith (46), King (58), Stenchion (62)

Goals: King 5/5

Crusaders: Tony Duggan, Paul Ballard, Aled James, Mark Dalle Cort, Anthony Blackwood, Damien Quinn, Mark Lennon, Jordan James, Ian Webster, Philippe Gardent, Chris Beasley, Darren Mapp, Luke Dyer.
Subs: Neil Budworth, Geraint Davies, Ben Flower, David Tangata-Toa.

Tries: James (6), Dyer (9), Quinn (35), Lennon (55)

Goals: Lennon 3/4

Referee: P Carr (Castleford)