BULLS LOSE OUT IN PLAY OFF BATTLE

Bradford Bulls saw their 2021 campaign come to end up with a 23-10 defeat in yesterday’s play-off eliminator against Batley Bulldogs.

A Tom Gilmore penalty handed the home side the early initiative before Ben Kaye’s darting effort from dummy half. 

Gilmore slotted over another penalty before going over for a try of his own with Batley leading by 16 at the break. 

Bradford battled back into proceedings in the second half – with Joe Brown and Jordan Lilley setting up a tense finale. 

But Elliot Hall raced away to strike a dagger to Bradford hearts – before a late Gilmore drop goal. 

John Kear welcomed Ebon Scurr and Adam Rooks back into the side for the first play-off eliminator, with Brad England ruled out through injury. 

The game started in typical play-off fashion, with both sides testing each other, and Batley broke the deadlock with a penalty goal as Gilmore chose the two after an infringement. 

Another set on Bradford’s line ended in the first score as Kaye barged his way over from close range. 

Things got worse for Bradford, as a quick break through the middle from Nyle Flynn saw Gilmore to race away and score, pushing Batley further in front. 

Bradford controlled proceedings but couldn’t find their way over the line with a stubborn Batley defence in their way. 

After the interval, a score from Brown brought Bradford back into the game after a lacklustre first half.

The second score followed, through Lilley who scored underneath the posts to bring the game within six. 

As Bradford looked to attack, an error allowed Elliot Hall to race away and touch down in the corner, which proved to be the killer blow. 

With seconds remaining, Gilmore added a drop goal to condemn Bradford to defeat. 

BRADFORD BULLS TRIES 

Brown, Lilley 

GOALS 

Brough 1/2 

BATLEY BULLDOGS TRIES 

Kaye, Gilmore, Hall 

GOALS 

Gilmore 3/3 

PENALTY GOALS 

Gilmore 2/2 

DROP GOALS 

Gilmore 1/1 

BATLEY BULLDOGS – Luke Hooley, Johnny Campbell, Dale Morton, Kieren Buchanan, Greg Johnson, Ben White, Tom Gilmore, James Brown, Ben Kaye, Jack Blagbrough, Lucas Walshaw, Dane Manning, Nyle Flynn. 

INTERCHANGES – Alistair Leak, Michael Ward, Tom Lillycrop, Elliot Hall. 

BRADFORD BULLS – Elliot Kear, Joe Brown, Ross Oakes, Rhys Evans, David Foggin-Johnston, Danny Brough, Jordan Lilley, Ben Evans, Thomas Doyle, Steve Crossley, Adam Rooks, Aaron Murphy, Sam Hallas. 

INTERCHANGES – George Flanagan, Anthony Walker, Ebon Scurr, Dan Fleming.

Match Report is brought to you by AJJB Law.