BULLS RESERVES SEE OFF TIGERS THREAT

BRADFORD Bulls Reserves beat Castleford Tigers 18-10 yesterday evening courtesy of tries from Matthew Race, Ryan Butterworth and Billy Jowitt.

A closely-contested opening half saw both sides cross for a score apiece – Castleford opened the scoring but Bradford hit back to lead through Race, who continued his impressive 2020 form throughout. 

Mark Dunning’s side extended their lead when Race’s kick was palmed down by Butterworth for his second try of the year.

The visitors hit back to reduce the arrears heading into the final stages but Jowitt’s last minute effort sealed the spoils for the Bulls.

Bradford’s side featured the likes of David Foggin-Johnston and Evan Hodgson with all seeking to impress under the watchful eye of first team head coach John Kear yesterday evening.

The hosts made the stronger start to proceedings at Horsfall Stadium but it would be the Tigers who drew first blood through Robbie Storey.

The Bulls hit back and soon took to the lead with half-time fast approaching, Race throwing a dummy to bamboozle the Castleford defence and glide through to touch down.   

Race then proved influential again as Bradford extended their advantage – the half-back kicking through for Butterworth to score.

As the game approached the final stages, the visitors scored again to set up a tense finale.

Bradford would not just hold firm but would seal the spoils in style – on the last tackle, Matthew Race and Elliot Culling both put in kicks to trouble the Tigers’ defence.

Billy Jowitt benefitted to race clear and score under the sticks despite the attention of three Castleford defenders.

BRADFORD BULLS RESERVES: Alix Stephenson, Murphy Smith, Elliott Culling, Ryan Butterworth, David Foggin-Johnston, Matthew Race, Billy Jowitt, Bradley Ho, Cameron Berry, Keelan Foster, Sam Smith, Evan Hodgson, Dewi Billingham. INTERCHANGES: Danny Maskill, James McGurk, Ethan O’Hanlon, Jacob Smillie, Matty Stableford.

TRIES: Race, Butterworth, Jowitt

GOALS: Race 3/3