Bulls pass Jungle test

Tiger compete but Bulls just too good at the Jungle.

Last updated: 18th May 2008

Bradford Bulls v Huddersfield Giants February 2008 terry newton

Newton: Bulls strength

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Bradford Bulls survived a stubborn test from bottom side Castleford Tigers but eventually pulled away to a comfortable-looking 46-24 win at the Jungle.

Basement side Castleford produced a spirited opening and they opened up a 10-0 lead in the opening quarter hour with early tries from Michael Shenton and Ryan McGoldrick.

Paul Sykes and Terry Newton helped draw Bradford level, but Joe Westerman crossed for a third try for a plucky Castleford side which put them back in front.

Three tries in four minutes from Sam Burgess, Glenn Morrison and Jamie Langley powered Bradford into a 14-point lead at the break at 28-14.

Michael Wainwright kept the Tigers in at after the interval but again a three-try burst from Michael Platt, Ben Jeffries and Simon Finnigan restored Bradford's control rendering Luke Dorn's late try meaningless.

Hopeful start

Tigers centre Shenton gave Castleford the perfect start with a try in the third minute and, despite having two tries disallowed from winger Wainwright, the hosts increased their lead with full-back McGoldrick going over for 10-0.

Bradford hit back and Jeffries sliced open the Castleford defence to send in Sykes before Burgess fed Newton for the try that allowed Paul Deacon to kick the Bulls level with 26 minutes gone.

Despite being bottom Castleford showed plenty of fight and 18-year-old star Westerman produced a moment of brilliance to dummy his way clear of the Bulls line before powering home from distance to retake the lead.

Bradford rallied and produced a three-try burst that took the game away from the strugglers, starting with Burgess piling over on 33 minutes.

Morrison went over two minutes later from Jeffries' kick and Langley followed after another two minutes, with Deacon converting all three for 28-14 at half time.

Effort

Castleford gathered themselves during the break and Bradford centre James Evans' sin-binning on 52 minutes gave them the impetus to get back into the match.

Winger Wainwright did finally get his try a minute later and Westerman's fine conversion saw the Tigers right back in the game.

However, Platt still managed to score a try for the 12-man Bulls, as did Jeffries, as the visitors showed their strength to pull away once again.

Finnigan put the game to bed with a try nine minutes from time and even a late consolation fro Dorn was of no cheer to the home support.

Despite he game being a hard-fought contest Bradford's clear advantage in terms of strength and power saw them record a comfortable look to the scoreline despite all the efforts of the struggling Tigers.