BLISTERING START SEES BULLS DOWN EAGLES

Bradford Bulls moved up to 4th in the Betfred Championship thanks to a resilient 32-18 victory over Sheffield Eagles.

Two tries for Tom Holmes, as well as scores by Joe Arundel, George Flanagan Snr, and Liam Tindall ensured the Bulls returned to winning ways in the league.

The first action of the game saw Tom Holmes’ kick off roll out behind the Sheffield sticks, forcing an early drop out and allowing the Bulls a set in a promising position early on.

Joe Arundel ensured that Bradford took advantage of the field position, crossing on the right flank for the game’s opening try after a fine passing move found its way into his hands.

With the Bulls then near the Sheffield line on the last tackle, a trademark scoot from George Flanagan Snr extended the lead, with Dec Patton’s successful conversion making the score 12-0 after just six minutes.

A late hit on Flanagan Snr allowed Patton to slot over a penalty, before the Bulls’ fantastic start continued thanks to Tom Holmes, who was the beneficiary of a sensational inside pass from Dec Patton.

Sheffield responded to this early onslaught with a try of their own, as Jesse Sene-Lefao bundled his way over the line. Former Bull Matty Dawson-Jones then went over in the corner after the Eagles shifted the ball with speed.

The visitors began to step up the intensity, but a dropped ball near their own line allowed Liam Tindall to score his second try of the season, grounding Tom Holmes’ excellent grubber.

The Bulls led 24-12 at half time, and emerged on the front foot, pinning Sheffield on their own try line. AJ Wallace was impeded when attempting to play the ball, which gave Dec Patton the opportunity to extend the advantage to 26-12.

The visitors refused to lie down as, after Jesse Sene-Lefao’s second try of the game, they began to put pressure on the Bradford ranks, the game descending into a real slug as both teams battled to impose themselves.

Quick thinking from the returning David Foggin-Johnston saw him kick forward after a Sheffield knock-on, which allowed the Bulls to threaten the line with Jordan Lilley, who was clobbered around the head by the Eagles’ defence.

This would allow for Tom Holmes to set the seal on an impressive display, both personally and for the team, as he ran onto another phenomenal Dec Patton pass as the Bulls shaped left.

George Flanagan Snr would miss his attempted drop goal with minutes left to play, but this didn’t impact the final proceedings, with Bradford winning 32 points to 18.

Bradford Bulls: Tom Holmes, Liam Tindall, Joe Arundel, Kieran Gill, David Foggin-Johnston, Jordan Lilley, Dec Patton, Jordan Baldwinson, George Flanagan Snr, Fenton Rogers, AJ Wallace, Leon Ruan, Chester Butler.

Interchanges: Brad Foster, Corey Johnson, Keven Appo, Ebon Scurr.

Tries – Joe Arundel, George Flanagan Snr, Tom Holmes x 2, Liam Tindall

Conversions – Dec Patton 4/5

Penalty Goals – Dec Patton 2/2

Sheffield Eagles: Ben Jones-Bishop, Jason Bass, Kris Welham, Ross Oakes, Matty Dawson-Jones, Cory Aston, Anthony Thackeray, Brandon Douglas, Vila Halafihi, Tyler Dickinson, Aaron Murphy, Joel Farrell, Titus Gwaze.

Interchanges: Evan Hodgson, Blake Broadbent, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Oliver Roberts.

Tries – Jesse Sene-Lefao x 2, Matty Dawson-Jones

Conversions – Cory Aston 3/3