Bulls put to the sword
Hull FC spoiled Bradford's takeover party as they cruised to a remarkable 70-6 Super League victory at Odsal on Saturday night.
Last Updated: 01/09/12 9:15pm
Hull FC spoiled Bradford's takeover party as they cruised to a remarkable 70-6 Super League victory at Odsal on Saturday night.
The Bulls, who suffered their worst-ever home defeat in the process, could now slip out of the play-off positions on Sunday if the in-form Wakefield Wildcats see off lowly Widnes.
There was a party atmosphere pre-kick-off with Bradford's new owners being paraded and things started well for Mick Potter's team once the action got underway.
A penalty by Andy Lynch gifted Bradford field position and they capitalised on the indiscretion with centre Keith Lulia keeping the ball alive for Jason Crookes to score the easiest of tries and Luke Gale added the extras.
The Bulls were reduced to 12 men when Ben Jefferies was sin-binned for dissent after Heath L'Estrange did exceptionally well to haul down winger Tom Briscoe in full flight following a break.
The visitors made their numerical superiority count almost immediately with Ryan McGoldrick sending over Joe Westerman and on-loan Jamie Foster converted to level the scores.
Hull moved in front on their next set when Westerman offloaded superbly for Foster to saunter over from close range, however, the Saints loanee hit the upright with the ensuing conversion.
The Black and Whites extended their advantage when Willie Manu touched down following a neat kick from Briscoe and Foster's successful conversion made it 16-6.
Free-flowing move
Danny Houghton scored Hull's fourth try of the half with 27 minutes played after free-flowing move. Aaron Heremaia passed to Manu who picked out Houghton. Again Foster converted.
The visitors' red-hot form continued when Jordan Turner fed Manu and he slipped in Ben Crooks with the youngster then finding Manu. Two more points from Foster made it 28-6 at the break.
Hull continued the second half as they finished the first half with more sensational rugby league. Richard Horne made the break and he was supported by Heremaia to score. Foster made no mistake from in front of the posts.
Winger Briscoe then helped himself to a brace. Foster was unable to convert either from out wide, giving Hull a 42-6 advantage with 20 minutes remaining.
Further scores from Crooks, ex-Bull Lynch, and second tries from Heremaia and Foster added the icing on the already sweet cake as the visitors ran riot.
There was still time for Briscoe to complete his hat-trick at Odsal with a last-gasp score. Foster's conversion brought up the 70-mark.