BULLS ACADEMY SEE OFF RIVALS RHINOS

Bradford Bulls Academy produced a stunning display to beat Leeds Rhinos 27-18 at Odsal Stadium last night!

Leigh Beattie's charges went into the derby clash on the back of a win at Wakefield Trinity - and their recent form continued into the early stages under the lights.

On the back of a 40/20 from Josh Perkins, Lawford broke the Leeds' line and was held up just short - Bailey Arnold then crashed over from acting half to open the scoring.

Things got even better on 12 minutes for the home side - Lawford escaping the clutches of two Leeds defenders to race home from 40 metres to extend Bradford's advantage.

On the following set, Bradley Wheeler barged over from close range to cap off a stunning opening quarter for the home side, who then repelled numerous sets on their own line as the Rhinos looked to try work a way back into proceedings. 

With the Bulls temporarily down to 12 men, the visitors would get on the scoresheet - Shane Shann racing away down the left edge having collected a kick. 

Back-to-back scores from Jack Smith and Jack Sinfield handed Leeds the advantage for the first time heading into the final quarter. 

But the resilience and character of these Young Bulls, shown in abundance so far in 2022, came to the fore and they re-established their advantage when good shape and slick hands put Joe Kellett through a gap to hand off to the supporting Todd Horner to score. 

And Bradford's scoring didn't end there, in a carbon copy of the match winning try at Wakefield two weeks ago, Lawford's short ball put George Flanagan Jr through to escape the Leeds' full back.

Flanagan Jr then added a late drop goal to complete a fantastic evening's work for everyone associated with the Academy side. 

BRADFORD BULLS ACADEMY: George Flanagan Jr, Ethan Banham, Bradley Wheeler, Todd Horner, Charlie Barrett, Josh Perkins, Myles Lawford, Jack Wilson, Harry Milnes, Jack Toulson, Joe Kellett, Harry Gray, Bailey Arnold. INTERCHANGES: Lewis Hough, Ethan McCabe, Lachlan Holmes, Jack Briggs.

TRIES: Arnold, Lawford, Wheeler, Horner, Flanagan Jr

GOALS: Flanagan Jr 3/5

DROP GOALS: Flanagan Jr