ACADEMY MATCH REPORT

Our Academy fell to a narrow 20-12 defeat in Round One against Wakefield Trinity despite a second-half fightback.

After pre-season outings against Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, head coach Glenn Morrison named a number of debutants in his side to take to the field at the DIY Kitchens Stadium on Saturday. 

The #BullsNextGen enjoyed a strong start but it would be the home side to break the deadlock, through hooker Harvey Smith’s burrowing close range effort. 

Despite enjoying plenty of possession in Wakefield territory, the Young Bulls would remain scoreless in the opening forty with the home side extending their advantage through Amir Sghaier. 

Sghaier grabbed his second after the break on the back of sliced kick out wide, before Noah Crawshaw capitalised on a fortuitous bounce in the corner to score. 

Bradford came roaring back and got a try their efforts deserved when forward Jamie Gill powered his way over from close range. 

The Bulls continued to pose a threat and a piece of individual magic from Lewis Owens – who collected his own grubber in behind the Wakefield defence – reduced arrears further but the home side held on to secure victory.

BRADFORD BULLS ACADEMY: Connor Sayner, George McKinley, Harvey Duckworth, Calum Burn, Demir Acarer, Elijah Delaidriti, George Rayner, Jamie Gill, Lewis Owens, Jacob Bateman, Conlan Mawson, Riley Sunderland, Freddie Butler. INTERCHANGES: Henry Welsh, Alfie Leake, Seth Clapham, Josh Orimogunje. 18^th MAN: Lucas Child. 

TRIES: Gill, Owens

GOALS: Acarer 2/2