BULLS FALL TO DRAMATIC LATE DERBY DEFEAT

BRADFORD Bulls fell to a late 24-21 defeat in an action packed West Yorkshire derby this afternoon against Halifax Panthers.

The home side broke the deadlock early through James Woodburn-Hall but Pickersgill responded for John Kear’s side.

Back-to-back scores from Greg Worthington and James Saltonstall stretched the Panthers into a two-score lead before a trademark Thomas Doyle effort reduced arrears.

Brad England and Joe Brown scored early in the second half to hand Bradford the lead but Liam Harris’ effort levelled proceedings.

George Flanagan slotted a drop-goal but with time running out – Saltonstall grabbed his second to break Bradford hearts.

John Kear welcomed back key trio Aaron Murphy, Tom Doyle and Jordan Lilley in a much-changed side with injuries forcing a reshuffle.

The home side started the strongest, as a breakthrough the middle of the park allowed Woodburn-Hall to find space and barge over, for the game’s opening score.

Bradford found themselves over the line soon after, however as fast hands from Brown and Rhys Evans sent Pickersgill over for his eighth of the season.

Halifax then scored a double within five minutes, with Worthington and Saltonstall both profiting from errors to score.

Ant Walker was brought on with minutes to go until the break and his impact was felt as barged his way through, allowing Tom Doyle to touch down from a quick play-the-ball.

After the break, Bradford took control of proceedings with two tries, first from Brad England, profiting off another impressive line break from Walker.

Lovely hands on the left edge set Aaron Murphy free and on the following play – Lilley’s crossfield kick was superbly collected by Brown for his ninth try of the season.

Controversy then followed as Halifax found themselves over after the ball looked to have been knocked forward, Harris took full advantage and scored to level the game.

Flanagan then knocked over a drop goal which looked to had been the winner, before Saltonstall went over to seal the victory for the home side.

HALIFAX PANTHERS TRIES

Woodburn-Hall, Worthington, Saltonstall (2), Harris

GOALS

Harris 2/5

BRADFORD BULLS TRIES

Pickersgill, Doyle, B.England, Brown

GOALS

Hallas 2/4

DROP GOALS

Flanagan 1/1

HALIFAX PANTHERS – James Woodburn-Hall, Zack McComb, Greg Worthington, Ed Barber, James Saltonstall, Liam Harris, Scott Grix, Adam Tangata, Brandon Moore, Daniel Murray, Matt Garside, Ben Kavanagh, Jacob Fairbank.

INTERCHANGES – Curtis Davies, Elliot Morris, Kevin Larroyer, Connor Davies.

BRADFORD BULLS – Brandon Pickersgill, Reece Hamlett, Rhys Evans, Ross Oakes, David Foggin-Johnston, Joe Brown, Jordan Lilley, Anthony Walker, Thomas Doyle, Steve Crossley, Brad England, Aaron Murphy, Sam Hallas.

INTERCHANGES – George Flanagan, Jordan Baldwinson, Adam Rooks, Ebon Scurr.

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