Keighley Cougars (A) Match Report

Bradford Bulls fell to a 34-6 defeat against Keighley Cougars yesterday afternoon.

The first twenty minutes of proceedings saw Keighley pin the Bulls on their own line, with Joe Arundel forced to make a sensational last-ditch tackle to prevent Jimmy Keinhorst from crossing in the corner.

As the Bulls looked to make inroads, Fenton Rogers was sent to the sin bin, after he was adjudged to have fended off a Cougars’ defender illegally.

Kieran Gill was forced off through injury after twenty minutes, after coming close to opening the scoring. It was the home side who would take the lead, however, as Alix Stephenson found himself on the end of a powerplay out to the flank.

Dane Chisholm was unsuccessful in converting the try, but added more points for Keighley just minutes later, after taking advantage of a loose ball to dot down under the sticks. His conversion was accurate, extending the lead to 10-0.

Joe Gibbons and Luke Gale added further tries before the half time hooter, both finishing after quick breaks through the Bulls’ line.

Bradford emerged from half time needing a fast start, and looked to have gotten just that when Liam Tindall strolled over in the corner. Referee Scott Mikalauskas pulled play back for an apparent shove from George Roby though.  

Leon Ruan went close with a short range effort, but Keighley crossed for the opening points of the second period, Charlie Graham able to streak away after a break from former Bull Jake Webster.

Two excellent kicks through by Dec Patton forced goal line drop outs, and Liam Tindall was forced into touch as Bradford looked to cross.

With minutes to go, Tindall would get his try, dancing his way through the Keighley defence to give the excellent Bulls’ away following something to celebrate. Dec Patton’s quick conversion was successful, the score now 28-6 with two minutes to play.

From the restart, a Bradford error allowed Robbie Storey to dive in at the corner after the ball was worked through hands.

Bradford Bulls: Tom Holmes, Luis Roberts, Joe Arundel, Kieran Gill, Liam Tindall, Dec Patton, Jordan Lilley, Jordan Baldwinson, George Flanagan Snr, Fenton Rogers, Leon Ruan, AJ Wallace, Chester Butler.

Interchanges: Ebon Scurr, Keven Appo, Josh Johnson, George Roby.

Tries – Liam Tindall

Conversions – Dec Patton 1/1

Penalty Goals –

Yellow Cards – Fenton Rogers

Keighley Cougars: Lewis Young, Charlie Graham, Jake Webster, Robbie Storey, Alix Stephenson, Dane Chisholm, Luke Gale, Brenden Santi, Thomas Doyle, Mark Ioane, Jimmy Keinhorst, Joe Gibbons, Brad Walker.

Interchanges: Harvey Spence, Sadiq Adebiyi, Dan Parker, Billy Gaylor.

Tries – Alix Stephenson, Dane Chisholm, Joe Gibbons, Luke Gale, Charlie Graham, Robbie Storey

Conversions – Dane Chisholm 3/4, Luke Gale 1/1

Penalty Goals – Dane Chisholm 1/1