BULLS BATTLE BUT RED DEVILS RALLY

Despite a battling display against Super League side Salford Red Devils, Bradford Bulls bowed out of the Betfred Challenge Cup following a 26-16 defeat last night.

Brian Noble made four changes to the side that lost against Toulouse Olympique in the south of France last time out and named loanee Luke Hooley in his starting thirteen.

The home side made the better start of the two sides and Esan Marsters finished well in the left corner to open the scoring.

Bradford grew into proceedings and a brilliant break from Hooley saw him hauled down metres from the Salford line, with Ryan Brierley sent to the sin bin for committing a professional foul on the full-back.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Red Devils extended their lead via the boot of Kai Morgan.

The Bulls would get on the scoreboard in stunning fashion, when a well worked shift play say Guy Armitage stretch out and finish superbly. 

The home side found themselves back to a full complement of players, but that didn’t stop Bradford taking the lead on the following set. 

Having made impressive metres on the back of points, James Meadows’ kick was palmed back by Waqa Blake into the hands of Zac Fulton, who scored his second try of the season. 

Salford ramped up the pressure before the break and Meadows was sent to the sin bin with the hooter imminent, but the Bulls held firm for a half-time advantage. 

The hosts were eager to restore their lead having raced out of the blocks at the start of the second half, and Brierley made amends for his earlier misdemeanour by scoring a stylish individual effort.

Back came Bradford and brilliant initiative from Jordan Lilley sent Kieran Gill racing away down the left flank to score under the posts on his return to action. 

But despite a valiant effort that was as good as it got for the Bulls, with Jayden Nikorima and former Bull Ethan Ryan scoring tries in the final quarter. 

BRADFORD BULLS: Luke Hooley (2/3 G), Jayden Okunbor, Waqa Blake, Kieran Gill (T), Guy Armitage (T), James Meadows, Joe Keyes, Michael Lawrence, Mitch Souter, Franklin Pele, Zac Fulton (T), Matty Gee, James Donaldson. INTERCHANGES: Nathan Mason, Bayley Liu, Ronan Michael, Jordan Lilley.