TOULOUSE MATCH REPORT

Our 2024 season came to an end with a narrow 21-20 defeat against Toulouse Olympique in the south of France this afternoon.

Eamon O’Carroll was forced into a late reshuffle – with Max Lehmann coming in for Tom Holmes. 

The home side, fresh off the back of a week off, made a blistering start with two tries in the opening ten minutes from Benjamin Laguerre and Paul Ulberg. 

Bradford battled back into proceedings however and Jordan Lilley’s try reduced the deficit to just two points. 

Kieran Gill was then sent to the sin bin for a high shot but the numerical disadvantage didn’t stop the Bulls from taking the lead in the baking hot heat. 

Jayden Okunbor made a superb break after which, Franklin Pele stormed onto a pass from 30 metres out and swatted away Toulouse defenders to score. 

Jayden Myers then saw a try disallowed late in the first half as the Bulls led 12-8 heading into the sheds.

Kieran Gill was next to see a try disallowed for a forward pass, as O’Carroll’s side piled on the pressure. 

Jayden Myers was sent to the sin bin for an accidental tip tackle and the home side took full advantage. 

Guy Armitage and Anthony Marion scored on the left edge, with Eloi Pelissier then kicking a drop goal to extend Toulouse’s lead to 7.

But the Bulls wouldn’t give up. Keven Appo crashed over from close range with Lilley converting to get back within one – but the home side held on. 

BRADFORD BULLS: Max Lehmann, Jayden Okunbor, Jayden Myers, Kieran Gill, Jorge Tuafua, Jarrod Sammut, Jordan Lilley, Michael Lawrence, Sam Hallas, Eribe Doro, Zac Fulton, Keven Appo, Daniel Smith. INTERCHANGES: Mitch Souter, Harvey Makin, Ebon Scurr, Franklin Pele. 

TRIES: Lilley, Pele, Appo

GOALS: Lilley 4/4