A Brett Kearney hat-trick helped Bradford claim their second Super League win of the season with a hard-fought 38-12 victory over a Castleford side that was reduced to 11 men at one stage. 

The Bulls fullback was at the heart of everything Francis Cummins’ side did in attack, with his last ditch efforts in defence also showed how vital he is to the team.

The Tigers looked to have got off to a terrific start as Gareth O’Brien orchestrated a neat break down the left which saw Jake Webster break clear. But a heroic last ditch tackle from Matt Diskin halted the big Kiwi with the try line beckoning. A brave O’Brien was then taken off after a collision with Nick Scruton in back-play.

The Bulls then looked to be in business when Jarrod Sammut dribbled through and looked to be in for a certain try. But the video referee revealed that the Aussie half had fumbled at the vital moment.

It was not long before the home side brought home the first try, though, as Kearney’s high bomb was taken in by Elliot Kear. Kear then produced a spectacular offload off the floor to play in Kearney for the try after another consultation with the video ref. Foster slotted home the kick to make it 6-0.

A series of penalties then put the Bulls on the back-foot, and Castleford took full advantage as Jamie Ellis was sent in down the middle much to the disgust of the home support. Ellis converted to even it up and things were about to get even bleaker for the Bulls.

After the fourth penalty in succession, referee Steve Ganson sent Danny Addy to the sin bin. However, with their backs firmly against the wall, the Bulls climbed from adversity.

A penalty of their own then suddenly sent them into four-pointer territory and Adam Sidlow put his hand up. The prop forward twisted in the tackle to get the ball down from close range, Foster once again improving.

Still with 12 on 13, the Bulls closed out the half well and another Sammut burst demonstrated how dangerous they were before they closed the half 12-6 up.

It could not have been a worse start to the second half for the Bulls after a contentious pass saw the Tigers score one of the tries of the season so far, with Kirk Dixon finishing off a 70 metre move.

Kearney’s cover tackle on the onrushing Justin Carney made sure that the Bulls stayed level and the fullback was then on hand to get the Bulls back in front.

In a flowing four man move, Kearney played in Matty Blythe down the right for the centre’s third score in three matches. Foster then tagged on the difficult conversion to regain their six point advantage.

Michael Shenton’s high tackle on Jarrod Sammut then saw Foster tag on another vital two to give the Bulls a two score lead for the first time and some quick thinking from Matt Diskin then looked to have got a crucial try. The video referee had other ideas and chalked the score off after Jobe Murphy was deemed to have interfered at the play the ball.

After Carney and Ellis were then yellow carded, it was then inevitable that the Bulls would go over again, which they did with Kearney once again assisting, feeding in Chev Walker.

It was then a case of roles reversed soon after, with Walker this time putting in Kearney to seal the win for the Bulls but even at that last stage they were not finished and it was that man Kearney again put the icing on the cake with his hat trick score in the final minutes. Foster adding the goal to end both the scoring and a convincing Bulls performance. 

Bradford Bulls 38 Castleford Tigers 12

Half Time 12-6

Penalty Count: 13-10

Referee: Steve Ganson

Attendance: 7,724

Bradford Bulls: Jamie Foster, Michael Platt, Matty Blythe, Keith Lulia, Elliot Kear; Jarrod Sammut, Brett Kearney: Nick Scruton, Matt Diskin, Manase Manuokafoa, Tom Olbison, Elliott Whitehead, Chev Walker.

Subs: Adam O'Brien, Danny Addy, Jobe Murphy, James Donaldson, Adam Sidlow

Scorers: Tries: Kearney 3 (14, 76, 79), Sidlow (32), Blythe (54), Walker (72). Goals: Foster 7/7

Castleford Tigers:   Jordan Tansey; Kirk Dixon, Michael Shenton, Jake Webster, Justin Carney; Gareth O’Brien, Jamie Ellis; Jonathan Walker, Adam Milner, Craig  Huby, Lee Gilmour, Weller Hauraki, Oliver Holmes.

Subs: Daryl Clark, Grant Millington, Nathan Massey, Jordan Thompson.  

Scorers: Tries: Ellis (27) Dixon (42), Goals: Ellis 2/2