SPOILS SHARED IN THRILLING WEST YORKSHIRE DERBY

Bradford Bulls & Halifax Panthers played out a thrilling 22-22 draw at Odsal Stadium, with Dec Patton's last minute penalty goal levelling the scores.

Michael Lawrence and George Flanagan Snr both made their return to the starting line-up, with Fenton Rogers and Billy Jowitt both dropping out of the thirteen that were victorious over the London Broncos last week.  

In a game played at high intensity, Bradford got off to a fast start, with an earky kick by Dec Patton, fumbled by a Halifax man to give the Bulls a chance to attack the visitors line. The ball came wide on the last tackle, but Kieran Gill was stopped short of the line.

With ten minutes gone, Bradford’s early dominance continued, and they were rewarded for their intensity as Jordan Lilley’s pass found Joe Arundel for the opening score of the contest. Dec Patton was successful with his conversion, putting the Bulls 6-0 up.

A few minutes later, Patton was invited to extend the Bulls lead after a penalty was awarded for a late shot on Jordan Baldwinson: an invitation which he gratefully accepted to extend the lead to 8-0.

The Panthers would strike eventually, after three consecutive penalties carried them to within ten metres of the line, The ball was worked through hands, and Matty Gee stretched out to dot the ball down. Louis Jouffret’s conversion was good, and the visitors had a route back into proceedings.

Despite their promising performance, Bradford went in at halftime behind, with James Saltonstall strolling over in the corner after receiving a pass to the wing. Jouffret was once again successful from the tee, the score 8-12 at the break.

Bradford continued their positive play into the second half, as David Foggin-Johnston forced James Saltonstall into touch after the Panthers’ winger claimed a high ball. Off the back of that tackle, Bradford went ahead in the tie for the second time, after Fenton Rogers crashed onto a short ball by James Segeyaro under the sticks.

Patton was successful with his conversion, the score now 14-12 in Bradford’s favour.

Just minutes later, Brad England thought he had scored after receiving an inside-ball but play was pulled back for an apparent obstruction.

Lee Greenwood’s men would then fall behind, as Jouffret spotted a gap left by a Dec Patton injury and darted over in the right corner. He was able to convert his own score, putting the Panthers back in front at 14-18.

Lachlan Walmsley then went over in the corner after plucking a high kick out of the sky, but Jouffret’s first miss of the afternoon meant the Bulls could push to get back into the game, only 8 points behind with around a quarter to play.

After ramping up the pressure on the Panthers line, the Bulls pulled to within two points, with Brad England bursting over the line after another short ball from James Segeyaro. Dec Patton continued his impressive kicking performance and reduced the deficit.

With the game looking to be ending with defeat for the Bulls, Lee Greenwood’s men were handed an opportunity to draw level after a late shot on Segeyaro by Tangata. Dec Patton called for the tee and was able to convert to tie the game.

An 100% conversion rate from Patton, aswell as tries from Joe Arundel, Fenton Rogers, and Brad England ensured the Bulls claimed a valuable point in the battle of West Yorkshire.

Bradford Bulls: Tom Holmes, Ben Blackmore, Joe Arundel, Kieran Gill, David Foggin-Johnston, Dec Patton, Jordan Lilley, Jordan Baldwinson, George Flanagan Snr, Michael Lawrence, Chester Butler, Bodene Thompson, Keven Appo.

Interchanges: Brad England, Ebon Scurr, Fenton Rogers, James Segeyaro.

Tries – Joe Arundel, Fenton Rogers, Brad England

Conversions – Dec Patton 5/5

Halifax Panthers: James Woodburn-Hall, Lachlan Walmsley, Ben Crooks, Ben Tibbs, James Saltonstall, Louis Jouffret, Kyle Wood, Will Calcott, Brandon Moore, Dan Murray, Ben Kavanagh, Matty Gee, Kevin Larroyer.

Interchanges: Adam O’Brien, Adam Tangata, Ryan Lannon, Zack McComb.

Tries – Matty Gee, James Saltonstall, Louis Jouffret, Lachlan Walmsley

Conversions – Louis Jouffret 3/4