BULLS SEE OFF DONS TO BOOK CAS CLASH

Bradford Bulls booked a place in the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup with a hard-fought 30-4 win over Doncaster RLFC at Bartercard Odsal this afternoon.

Brian Noble named four debutants in his squad for the clash – with Waqa Blake, Ronan Michael, James Meadows and Matty Gee all making their competitive bows for the Bulls.

But it was a familiar face, making his ‘second’ debut for the club, that had an instant impact. 

On Bradford’s first attacking set, James Donaldson barged over from close range to mark his first appearance at the club in 11 years with a try. 

After a dominant start, the visitors grew into proceedings and Greg Burns darted over to reduce the arrears. 

Donaldson was involved again in the next score for the home side, sending a crash ball to Kieran Gill who finished with aplomb. 

Just before the break, Tom Holmes, who was named man of the match, stepped past three defenders to score. 

With conditions worsening throughout, errors crept into play but the boot of Jordan Lilley extended our advantage to three scores. 

Some nice improvisation then saw the Bulls extend their lead in the second half. 

Jayden Okunbor claimed a high kick from Meadows, palming the ball back into the path of Zac Fulton to score. 

The Bulls finished with a flourish when the impressive Joe Keyes got on the end of a Jordan Lilley grubber to score on his first appearance back in the red, amber and black. 

BRADFORD BULLS: Tom Holmes, Jayden Okunbor, Waqa Blake, Kieran Gill, Jorge Taufua, James Meadows, Joe Keyes, Michael Lawrence, Mitch Souter, Ebon Scurr, Matty Gee, Zac Fulton, James Donaldson. INTERCHANGES: Logan Bayliss, Franklin Pele, Jordan Lilley, Ronan Michael. 18^th MAN: Sam Hallas. 

TRIES: Donaldson, Gill, Holmes, Fulton, Keyes

GOALS: Keyes 2/3, Lilley 3/3