WAKEFIELD MATCH REPORT

An injury-hit Bradford Bulls fell to a 42-12 defeat against competition favourites Wakefield Trinity in Round One of the Betfred Championship.

The home side got off to a fast start when Josh Griffin grounded in the right corner, after a collision with Jorge Taufua.

Referee Marcus Griffiths awarded an eight point try, with Taufua, who was leaving the field for a head assessment anyway, sent to the sin bin leaving the Bulls with a numerical disadvantage. 

Bradford rallied however and swiftly got on the board, with Kieran Gill making a superb break down field and finding the supporting Aidan McGowan who finished well under pressure. 

The boot of Jordan Lilley then levelled the scores on the back of a penalty 10 metres out. 

Wakefield responded through Griffin’s second try after silky play from Mason Lino opened up a gap.

Liam Hood then darted over from dummy half before Oliver Pratt’s try on the hooter gave the home side a 26-8 lead at the break.

Bradford then lost Lee Gaskell to injury to force Eamon O’Carroll into another re-shuffle, before Olpherts’ try in the corner extended Wakefield’s lead. 

Lino then sent Max Jowitt in for a try, after which, a scuffle emerged with saw the try scorer and Souter both sent to the sin bin. 

Bradford would get some reward for their endeavour when Billy Jowitt kicked through for Kieran Gill to score. 

The final act came via the hosts, with Walmsley taking advantage of a slip in the defence and finishing acrobatically. 

BRADFORD BULLS: Aidan McGowan, Jayden Myers, Billy Jowitt, Kieran Gill, Jorge Taufua, Lee Gaskell, Jordan Lilley, Michael Lawrence, Mitch Souter, Daniel Smith, Chester Butler, Harvey Wilson, Sam Hallas. INTERCHANGES: Lucas Green, George Flanagan, Keven Appo, Dan Okoro.

TRIES: McGowan, Gill

GOALS: Lilley 2/3