SCHOLARS MAKE IT TWO WINS FROM TWO

Bradford Bulls Scholars made it back-to-back wins at the start of the 2023 season with a hard fought 30-20 success in Newcastle last night.

A fast start saw the Young Bulls register the game's first score, the two half-backs Freddie Butler and Thomas Bell combining to send James Singh over in the corner.

In a see saw first half that saw both sides trade the advantage, Newcastle hit back through Sam Parks, when he pounced on a well placed grubber kick close to the Bradford line. 

A quick response from Martyn Oxbury's side saw them regain the initiative, Bell once again turning provider this time for Joel Rice to score.

Elijah Delaidriti then capitalised on an error to give Thunder the lead again, but just before the hooter Tyde King produced a superb show and go on the Newcastle line to hand Bradford a slender advantage at the break.

Preston Meloy broke the second half deadlock minutes after the restart as the lead changed hands once again, but Jake Robinson's score on the following set handed the Young Bulls the lead again.

James Miller's try for the home side levelled proceedings heading into the final quarter.

Then with nine minutes on the clock, Rice's second try of the evening restored Bradford's lead before Jake Dibden's powerful effort sealed the spoils for the Young Bulls for a second straight win at the start of 2023.

BRADFORD BULLS SCHOLARSHIP: Harvey Duckworth, Jake Robinson, Macall Baker, Joel Rice, James Singh, Freddie Butler, Thomas Bell, Sean Twomey, Henry Welsh, Jake Dibden, Sam Spencer, George McKinley, Toby Marshall. INTERCHANGES: Tyde King, Isaac Jepson, Issac Lee, Henry Jackson, Matthew Ellwood, Jake Baker, Logan Boylan.

TRIES: Rice (2), Robinson, Dibden, King, Singh

GOALS: Bell 3/6