BULLS BATTLE IN SOUTH OF FRANCE

? Bradford Bulls’ 2023 season came to an end at the semi-final stage courtesy of a 38-20 defeat at the hands of Toulouse Olympique last night.

Bradford went into the game against their full-time opponents on the back of three successive wins over play-off rivals, and looked to spread the play early with Kieran Gill making a break up to halfway before having the ball stripped one-on-one. 

The Bulls were then temporarily reduced to 12 men, with Jason Baitieri sent to the sin bin. Toulouse took full advantage of this, Callum Gahan breaking through the middle and finding Zac Santo to score. 

At the end of the first quarter, Toulouse extended their lead through a powerful effort from Maxime Stefani. 

But back came Bradford, who continued to chance their arm with some enterprising play on the left, and Gaskell’s looping pass found Jorge Taufua who finished superbly. 

Toulouse responded immediately however and two quick, unanswered scores from Guy Armitage and Benjamin Laguerre gave the score-line a one-sided feel. 

Jordan Lilley kicked a penalty goal from 45 metres on the hooter to reduce the arrears slightly. 

The home side raced out of the blocks at the start of the second half and quickly added to their lead through Josh Ralph.

Bradford wouldn’t lie down however and responded with a superb try of their own, Gaskell’s kick causing problems and the Bulls keeping the ball alive with numerous offloads before Joe Arundel touched down. 

Despite a spell of pressure, Toulouse held firm then provided a sucker punch through Anthony Marion’s effort in the corner.

Keven Appo then scored having superbly collected an offload from Eribe Doro to step his way over. 

But the final act came via Toulouse and Laguerre’s second try of the afternoon, to end Bradford’s season in the south of France. 

BRADFORD BULLS: Tom Holmes, Ben Blackmore, Joe Arundel, Kieran Gill, Jorge Taufua, Lee Gaskell, Jordan Lilley, Michael Lawrence, George Flanagan Snr, Eribe Doro, AJ Wallace, Chester Butler, Jason Baitieri. INTERCHANGES: Keven Appo, Billy Jowitt, Fenton Rogers, Dan Okoro.

TRIES: Taufua, Arundel, Appo

GOALS: Lilley 4/4