RESERVES VS HULL FC | MATCH REPORT

A youthful Bradford Bulls Reserves fell to a late 20-16 defeat against Hull FC at Horsfall Community Stadium last night.

A youthful Bradford Bulls Reserves fell to a late 20-16 defeat against Hull FC at Horsfall Community Stadium last night. 

Glenn Morrison’s side featured nine Under-18 Academy players against a team with a number of players with Super League experience. 

Bradford got off to the perfect start when a Trialist burst out of the back of a quick ruck to barge his way over. 

Back-to-back penalties then took the home side within kicking range, with Finley Balback extending the Bulls’ lead. 

A neat move between hands on the right edge saw Hull FC reduce the arrears after seventeen minutes. 

Both sides went set for set in an attritional first half before a late score for the visitors. 

A kick in behind was judged to have been legally palmed back into play by a Hull man and finished in the corner.

The Young Bulls started the second half in the same vein they begun the first, with back-to-back tries restoring Bradford’s lead. 

Firstly, a flowing move on the right between three players saw a number of offloads reach Waldimar Matahwa who powered his way over. 

Matahwa’s wing partner, Mackenzie Scurr, then got in on the act. A looping pass from Balback sent the winger racing down the flank, resulting in a flying, acrobatic finish in the corner. 

Bradford continued to press but it would be the visitors, with two late tries, to steal the spoils. 

BRADFORD BULLS RESERVES: Charlie Moody, Charlie Barrett, Dom Waites, Waldimar Matahwa, Mackenzie Scurr, Finley Balback, Ethan Newboult, Bailey Arnold, A Trialist, Jamie Gill, Conlan Mawson, Harry Gray, Jaden Barraclough. INTERCHANGES: Lewis Owens, Riley Sunderland, Freddie Butler, Joe Kellett. 

TRIES: Trialist, Matahwa, Scurr

GOALS: Balback 2/4