Archive
Fri, 07 June 2002
Bradford Bulls 22
London Broncos 12
Bradford Bulls: Michael Withers, Leon Pryce, Scott Naylor, Nathan McAvoy, Lee Gilmour, Brandon Costin, Robbie Paul, Paul Deacon, Joe Vagana, Brian McDermott, Jamie Peacock, Daniel Gartner, Mike Forshaw
Subs: Stuart Fielden, Richard Moore, Lee Radford, Robert Parker
Tries: Michael Withers, Robbie Paul
Goals: Paul Deacon (7)
London: Barnett, Hall, Martin, Roy, Sykes, Dymock, Moran, Stephenson, Hetherington, Marshall, Toshack, Retchless, Purdham
Subs: Gillett, Shaw, Bawden, Houles
Tries: Roy, Gillett
Goals: Martin (2)
The Bulls saw Tevita Vaikona and James Lowes join Paul Anderson and Lesley Vainikolo on the sidelines this week, and their display indicated that they missed the quartet.
They were kept tryless for 50 minutes by the resilient Broncos side who produced a fine defensive effort and gained two late consolations in the final six minutes through Nigel Roy and Michael Gillett.
But, by that time, Paul Deacon had kicked seven goals from eight attempts, including two first half penalties to open up a 4-0 interval lead.
The Broncos, looking to do a double over Bradford following their 15-14 win at Griffin Park in Round Six, had almost opened the scoring when Steele Retchless charged down a kick but was beaten to the ball by Nathan McAvoy.
Martin and Deacon had both missed with penalty attempts before the little Bulls scrum half finally opened the scoring on 17 minutes.
But the Bulls were still unable to break the London line and visiting captain Jason Hetherington went close at the other end before Deacon notched a second penalty.
Richard Moore had spent a month on loan with London recently and, as he continues to deputise for Paul Anderson, the young prop was closest to scoring for Bradford before the break before being hauled down short.
Deacon added another penalty from range on 48 minutes before Robbie Paul grabbed the first try by supporting Mike Forshaw's break to scoot under the posts, Deacon converting.
Martin was sent to the sin bin for interference on 57 minutes, Deacon tagging on a fourth penalty, and the extra man's advantage paid off shortly after the hour.
This time it was Michael Withers who was supporting after Brandon Costin and Jamie Peacock linked and, with Deacon converting, the two points were secured at 20-0.
Retchless was then sent for a spell in the sin bin and Deacon added a penalty, but the Broncos made light of the deficit for Russell Bawden to send Nigel Roy in on 74 minutes.
Michael Gillett dummied his way over in the final minute but the try was merely a consolation for the Broncos as the Bulls continue the defence of their title in solid, if unconvincing, style.