Round 8
Bradford Bulls 18 l. Warrington Wolves 22

2006 English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: English Super League

Bradford Bulls
Karl Pryce [CT] 8 Pts; 2t
Ben Harris [CT] 4 Pts; 1t
Joe Vagana [BE] 4 Pts; 1t
Paul Deacon [HB] 2 Pts; 1g

Warrington Wolves
Lee Briers [F8] 6 Pts; 3g
Martin Gleeson [CT] 4 Pts; 1t
Paul Wood [PR] 4 Pts; 1t
Henry Fa'afili [WG] 4 Pts; 1t
Chris Bridge [HB] 4 Pts; 1t



Wolves upset Bulls
Mon April 10, 2006
Source: www.bradfordbulls.co.uk

Bradford Bulls slipped to a surprise 22-18 home defeat by Warrington on Saturday evening, the second year running that the Wolves have emerged triumphant at Odsal.

Bradford twice held the lead early on through Karl Pryce, but a Lee Briers-inspired Warrington showed admirable character and determination to fight back and were, in the end, worthy winners.

Lesley Vainikolo almost opened the scoring in the first minute but was adjudged not to have grounded the ball having raced on to a chip-kick.

The Bulls weren't to be denied for long and did draw first blood shortly afterwards when Pryce was presented with a simple chance to pick up and score after Henry Fa'afili failed to collect a kick from Paul Deacon.

Warrington wasted little time in responding and it was former Bull Chris Bridge who grabbed the score, collecting a Briers kick to touch down under the posts. Briers added the extras to edge the visitors ahead.

However, another defensive blunder from the Wolves allowed Bradford back in straight away, this time it was Paul Wood spilling Paul Deacon's kick-off on his own try-line.

They looked to have seen out the set of six, but Pryce produced a great pick-up on the half-volley to collect and cruise over in the corner.

Woods atoned for his gaffe on 20 minutes with a try of his own, he took an offload and powered over from close range - Briers' conversion gave Wolves a four-point advantage.

It was a lead they were to extend ten minutes later when Martin Gleeson showed good strength to burst through and past the tackle of full-back Michael Withers to score under the posts.

With Briers adding another successful kick, the Wolves went in at the break 18-8 to the good.

The Bulls needed a fast start to the second period and they got it. Deacon looked like he would score but, when he was pulled down just short, the ball was spun out to Joe Vagana who bulldozed his way over despite the best efforts of Michael Sullivan.

The Odsal crowd clearly expected their side to go from there, but Warrington once again refused to lie down and man-of-the-match Briers inspired another try.

The half-back intercepted a long pass from Deacon and burst clear. With his legs fading he offloaded to Fa'afili who was brought down just short. However, with the Bulls scrambling to get back, Briers picked up at the play of the ball and waited before cleverly sending in Fa'afili who slid into the corner from a couple of yards out.

Bradford set up a grandstand finish when they took advantage of three quick penalties conceded by Warrington. It allowed them deep into Wolves territory and Iestyn Harris spun the ball out wide to namesake Ben who dived over to cut the lead back to four with a quarter of an hour remaining.

The hosts huffed and puffed, but Warrington stood firm to clinch victory at Odsal for a second successive season.

Report source: www.bradfordbulls.co.uk

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