BULLS WOMEN LIFT NATALIE HARROWELL CUP

BRADFORD Bulls Women lifted the inaugural Natalie Harrowell Cup on Sunday – beating Natalie’s former club Featherstone Rovers 18-16 on an emotional afternoon.

The fixture – which will now become a part of both club’s pre-season on a yearly basis – saw Featherstone score first in difficult conditions.

Bradford captain Amy Hardcastle then crossed for two tries – either side of half time – before the visitors levelled proceedings. 

Savannah Andrade’s score saw the Bulls retake the lead before a Featherstone response saw them take a late lead.

But a late try from Sarah Dunn – who was named player of the match – saw Bradford take the victory in the first fixture since its inception.

Featherstone enjoyed the stronger start of the two sides, enjoying sustained spells near the hosts’ line and their pressure paid off on 20 minutes.

On the back of a break by the impressive Dunn, Bradford enjoyed possession in Featherstone territory and took the lead.

Hardcastle and Dunn combined on the left edge – the latter breaking to feed the former to touch down and get the Bulls on the board.

With half-time fast approaching, Dunn was held up just short of the Featherstone line but Bradford took their lead into the changing rooms at the break.

Kirsty Moroney and Beth Sutcliffe’s side came racing out of the starting blocks after the interval and quickly extended their advantage.

Having forced a Featherstone error, the ball was worked out wide to Stacey Greenwood, who fed Hardcastle for her second of the afternoon.

An error from the kick off then handed possession back to the visitors, who levelled the scores immediately.

Back came Bradford however and Greenwood again turned provider – feeding Andrade who raced down the right wing to touch down.

The wind was back in the visitors’ sails and they were soon back in front – heading into the final stages.

But the home side would emerge victorious – Hardcastle and Dunn combining again with the latter crashing over to secure the spoils.