Archive
Sun, 10 February 2008
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats V Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls: Michael Platt, James Evans, Paul Sykes, Shontayne Hape, Tame Tupou, Tame Tupou, Iestyn Harris, Paul Deacon, Joe Vagana, Terry Newton, Andy Lynch, Chris Nero, Jamie Langley, Sam Burgess
Subs: Ben Jeffries, Wayne Godwin, Matt James, Glenn Morrison
Tries: Michael Platt, Paul Sykes, Terry Newton(2)
Goals: Paul Deacon(4)
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: Blaymire, Reilly, Martin, Atkins, George, Brough, Obst, Bibey, Drew, Moore, Ferguson, Ferres, Demetriou
Subs: Henderson, Leo-Latu, Sculthorpe, Wilkes
Tries: Reilly, Atkins, George(2)
Goals: Martin (1), Brough (4)
REPORT
The Bulls showed great determination to come from behind to narrowly lose 26-24 at Belle Vue.
Former Wakefield favourite Ben Jeffries began on the bench for the visitors and with Paul Deacon and Iestyn Harris dovetailing effectively at half-back, Bradford quickly built up a head of steam.
Terry Newton was an imposing presence at hooker and after Tame Tupou's forward pass sent him clear in the seventh minute, the former Wigan man strode over the line.
Tupou's pass ensured there were to be no celebrations among the visiting players, but after a penalty from Martin put Wakefield ahead, the Bulls produced a delightful score, which this time Newton could celebrate.
It came in the 17th minute and began when the imposing Sam Burgess embarked on a brilliant run down the right flank, which saw him outstrip a clutch of Trinity players.
Great Britain international Burgess, 19, spotted James Evans in support and an astute offload from the wing allowed the onrushing Newton to cross the line with ease.
Deacon added the extras but Wakefield's response was impressive and two tries in three minutes saw them forge ahead in style to lead at the break.
Their first score came in the 24th minute and saw the ball pass through five pairs of hands as Drew, Sam Obst, Martin and Brough combined to send Ryan Atkins scuttling over in the left corner.
A slip at the vital moment from Bulls centre Sykes helped Wakefield on their way to the try-line but there was no doubting the quality of the move.
After Matt Blaymire's ambitious break down the left was halted, the Wildcats kept the ball alive and excellent hands from Drew and Brett Ferres sent Reilly over.
Martin could not convert either try but Deacon missed a penalty on the stroke of half-time to ensure an interval score of 10-6 in Wakefield's favour.
Brough assumed kicking duties in the 52nd minute, landing a long-range effort to give his side breathing space, and then five minutes later he threw an exquisite long pass out wide for George to cross in the left corner.
Bradford showed character, however, to hit back on the hour mark when Newton sent Michael Platt over but a brilliant breakaway effort from George eight minutes later allowed the wing to claim his second try.
The Bulls hit back again when Newton scuttled under the posts for his second with nine minutes remaining but although Deacon converted, another Brough penalty saw Wakefield home and dry and ensured Sykes' late score - converted by Deacon - ultimately counted for little.
POST MATCH COMMENTS
Wakefield Head Coach, John Kear said: "Danny is a quality player and the bigger the game, the better he plays. He deserves a Super League stage and that's what he's got now.
"I'm sure he'll grace Super League XIII with great style and skill. He was good today but so were a lot of others."
"To integrate five new people into the side takes some doing but they all made a contribution," enthused Kear.
"I thought there were some very heartening signs for the rest of the season."
Bulls coach Steve McNamara admitted his side's discipline let them down at times as the penalty count racked up.
McNamara said: "We were very rusty out there but I also saw glimpses that suggested that we can be a very good side this year."
"I'm bitterly disappointed and certainly a rustiness - and a lack of discipline - were the major factors as to why we didn't get the two points."
"We scored some nice tries but we just let ourselves down in some areas. Even if we had won the game there would have been things to work on as a lack of discipline cost us dear."
"We gave five consecutive penalties away and they scored two tries on the back of it - and we were not able to come back from that."