BULLS BOW OUT OF CUP

BRADFORD Bulls made their first competitive appearance in 373 days this afternoon – bowing out of the Betfred Challenge Cup at the hands of Featherstone Rovers in a 41-16 defeat.

A strong start saw John Kear’s men gain the early advantage with debutant Reece Hamlett scoring acrobatically – Connor Jones levelling proceedings soon after. 

The visitors created opportunities but Thomas Minns gave the home side the lead before Ben Blackmore and James Harrison scores gave the scoreline a one-sided appearance at the break.

Early tries by Hamlett and Ebon Scurr brought Bradford back into the contest before three quickfire scores took Featherstone further ahead.

Featherstone full-back Craig Hall landed a late drop-goal to seal the spoils on a day which saw Bradford lose Sam Hallas to a broken jaw.

Kear named five debutants in his matchday squad including Hamlett and Danny Brough – who combined for the game’s opening score in the right corner.

Despite enjoying the stronger of the opening quarter, Bradford’s lead was soon eradicated by a scurrying effort from Jones close to the line.

Jack Sanderson and Brandon Pickersgill both went within inches of restoring the visitors’ advantage but the home side would be next to trouble the scoreboard.

Minns took a crash ball from Nu Brown to go over before back-to-back tries late in the half by Ben Blackmore and Harrison gave them a three-score lead.

Bradford came out firing and young winger Hamlett matched his first half effort with another spectacular finish in the right corner.

Another spell of pressure on the Featherstone line then brought the visitors back within touching distance – Scurr taking a cut-out ball and crashing over.

An error on the restart then allowed the home side to regain the initiative – with which Harrison obliged with his second of the game.

A break by Dale Ferguson laid the platform for Dean Parata to go over before another break, this time by Craig Hall extended the hosts’ lead before the latter slotted a late drop goal on the hooter.

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS: Craig Hall, Ben Blackmore, Thomas Minns, Joshua Hardcastle, Gareth Gale, Fa’amanu Brown, Dane Chisholm, Craig Kopczak, Connor Jones, James Lockwood, Brad Day, Frankie Halton, Jack Bussey.

INTERCHANGES: Dean Parata, James Harrison, Luke Cooper, Dale Ferguson. 

TRIES: Jones, Minns, Harrison (2), Blackmore, Parata, Hall

GOALS: Hall 5/6, Chisholm 1/1

DROP GOAL: Hall

BRADFORD BULLS: Joe Brown, Reece Hamlett, Rhys Evans, Ross Oakes, Jack Sanderson, Brandon Pickersgill, Danny Brough, Dan Fleming, Thomas Doyle, Steve Crossley, Adam Rooks, Brad Gallagher, Sam Hallas.

INTERCHANGES: George Flanagan, Ebon Scurr, Brad England, Anthony Walker. 

TRIES: Hamlett (2), Scurr

GOALS: Brough 2/3