BULLS ROUND OFF PRE-SEASON WITH VICTORY IN THE BIG ONE

Bradford Bulls rounded off pre-season with a 34-8 victory over Leeds Rhinos in the Keith Howard Foundation Trophy this afternoon.

Despite the Rhinos enjoying repeat sets on the Bradford line early on, it was the home side to break the deadlock. 

Lee Gaskell’s chip towards the posts was collected by a leaping Mitch Souter, who wriggled his way over for his first try in Bradford colours. 

The Bulls began to dominate proceedings but could not add to their early score and it would be the visitors who notched the game’s next try. 

Sinfield’s towering kick into the corner bounced fortuitously back into the arms of Derrell Olpherts, who in turn found Luis Roberts. 

The half ended with Bradford firmly in the ascendancy however, with Eribe Doro crashing over from close range, with Souter turning provider on this occasion. 

The boot of Gaskell proved influential once again soon after, with Olpherts unable to claim Aidan McGowan was on hand to pounce for his first in the red, amber and black. 

The Bulls began the second half in the same vein they started the first and quickly extended their advantage with back-to-back scores. 

The first of which came from Jayden Myers, who superbly collected a pass one-handed and dived over in the right corner. 

Souter then grabbed his second, with a trademark darting run from dummy half. 

Leeds responded with a try from Olpherts after a cut out pass from Sinfield. 

The final act came from Eliot Peposhi – who celebrated his permanent deal with a powerful effort in the right corner. 

BRADFORD BULLS: Aidan McGowan, Ben Blackmore, Jayden Myers, Kieran Gill, Jorge Taufua, Lee Gaskell, Jordan Lilley, Daniel Smith, Mitch Souter, Michael Lawrence, Chester Butler, John Davies, Sam Hallas.

INTERCHANGES: Billy Jowitt, Eliot Peposhi, Keven Appo, Eribe Doro, George Flanagan, Ebon Scurr, Joe Arundel, Will Oakes, Dan Okoro. 

TRIES: Doro, Souter (2), Myers, McGowan

GOALS: Lilley 4/5