Game

Friday 11 Sep 2009

Kick Off 20:00

REPORT

Bradford Bulls’ gallant fight to secure a 12th successive place in the play-offs ended at the KC Stadium this evening despite their win over Hull FC.

Steve McNamara’s side, who have never failed to reach the play-offs since their inception in 1998, came into the game knowing that a fifth straight win coupled with a St Helens victory over the Catalans Dragons would see them scrape into the top eight by the skin of their teeth.

But despite doing their bit with a hard-fought three-try win that was secured by Paul Deacon’s late drop goal, the Bulls, one of the most decorated and recognisable sides of the modern era, were left crestfallen at the final whistle as news of the shock Catalans win at Knowsley Road filtered through.

The Bulls’ destiny had rarely been in their own hands owing to events on the other side of the Pennines.

But they still gave themselves every chance in a blood-and-thunder affair that was only settled in their favour when Deacon chipped over a one-pointer six minutes from the final hooter, before adding a late penalty.

Despite their own play-off hopes being put to bed a month ago, Hull started the brighter of the two sides and took a seventh-minute lead through Tom Briscoe.

Had the highly-rated young winger not missed 15 games of the season through injury Hull could have been fighting for a play-off spot themselves, and he gave another reminder of his ability when he dived over in the corner after a bullet pass from Lee Radford.

The try had to be approved by the video referee after Briscoe went over the line in two movements, but it was no more than the home side deserved for their start.

The score did not initially stir Bradford who briefly threatened with a length-of-the-field break orchestrated by Steve Menzies and Michael Platt and it took until the half-hour mark for the visitors to fully find their feet.

Their first try came after 31 minutes, with Michael Worrincy steaming onto Deacon’s quick pass for a 10th try of a breakthrough season for the young forward. Deacon’s goal levelled the scores and his try three minutes before the hooter gave the Bulls the lead.

The try should have been called back for a forward pass from Menzies to Glenn Morrison but once the latter had set Deacon free, there was little doubt about the outcome.

Sam Moa’s furious run took Hull close to the line after the restart but Bradford remained the more aggressive and purposeful of the two sides, and extended their lead to two scores through Deacon’s 54th-minute penalty.

James Donaldson then further improved that advantage as he crept over in the corner for a second career try two minutes shy of the hour mark.

Hull responded well though, and Graeme Horne bounded over in the corner after a direct run from Jordan Tansey created an opening for him.

Hull then added a further complication to the ongoing mathematics of the night with a try that brought them level.

Briscoe was again the scorer, racing 40 metres after taking in Richard Whiting’s pass, before having his run momentarily halted by Paul Sykes. But Briscoe shook himself free of the centre’s grasp and went the rest of the distance to the line to score, allowing Danny Tickle to add a third conversion.

With Bradford’s fate now looking increasingly perilous, tempers became frayed and Morrison, who is leaving the club after three years, was sent to the sin bin on his final appearance.

With the final whistle having blown at St Helens, Deacon landed his third drop goal of the campaign, before slotting a penalty with the last kick of the game.

POST-MATCH REACTION

Bradford coach Steve McNamara was philosophical after his side failed in their bid to reach the play-offs.

The Bulls, one of the most decorated and recognisable sides of the modern era, have not failed to make the play-offs in any of the 11 years since their inception.

But, hamstrung by just seven wins from their first 22 games this season, were unable to make it 12 from 12 despite a run of five wins from their last five outings.

They had come to the KC Stadium knowing that a win, coupled with a St Helens win over the Catalans Dragons, would see them scrape into the top eight by the skin of their teeth.

But, a shock win for the French outfit at Knowsley Road left the Bulls' three-try victory at the KC a game of pride.

And McNamara was all too aware of just why his charges failed in their attempt.

"We've not lost it tonight, we missed out earlier in the season," McNamara admitted.

"We lost some games when we should have won, we had an awful amount of bad luck and misfortune at the start of the season and we compounded that by throwing some games away ourselves."

"Early on in the season we did everything but win games and it's come back to bite us now.

"Once it's out of your hands it becomes very difficult when you're relying on other people. Catalans have found some good form and good luck to them."

"Our boys didn't feel ready to finish but unfortunately they're going to have to. It's not meant to be for this group and this team."

Hull coach Richard Agar admitted that his side's dressing room had been an emotional place after the game.

"They gave it their all," Agar said. "The dressing room is disappointed. The guys that are leaving are emotional and it's a tough time because some of those that are leaving have been here a long time."

"It's very tough because we're good mates and there is some emotion."

"It's been a disappointing season and one of adversity. I don't think we've had our fair share of luck and I defy any to have the amount of injuries that we have. That has had a big bearing on our season."