Deacon puts boot into Quins
Paul Deacon produced an inspired performance to help Bradford return to winning ways with a 32-24 victory over struggling Harlequins.
Last Updated: 24/03/08 10:15pm
Paul Deacon scored 16 points to help Bradford Bulls to a 32-24 victory over Harlequins at the Grattan Odsal Stadium.
Deacon's haul came from a try and six goals as the Bulls - who were missing six players due to injury - bounced back from their 44-2 thrashing by Leeds last Thursday.
Quins also had injury problems with Danny Orr unavailable and things got even worse for the visitors when Scott Hill was withdrawn after just five minutes with a suspected broken wrist.
The Bulls soon took advantage by racing into an 18-0 lead inside the opening quarter courtesy of tries from Sam Burgess, Dave Halley and David Solomona.
Burgess broke two tackles on his way to the line from Ben Jeffries' neat pass, while Jeffries was also the provider for Halley's clear run to the line.
Worrincy double
Quins looked well beaten when Solmona touched down, but Michael Worrincy's try double in the 27th and 29th minutes gave Brian McDermott's side a glimmer of hope.
However, Bradford regained the initiative with two more tries before half-time through James Evans and Deacon.
Evans rose above above Worrincy to collect Deacon's kick in the 32nd minute and Deacon twisted over from close range just prior to the break.
Harlequins were given another chance after the interval when referee Ashley Klein sin-binned Craig Kopczak for a professional foul on Henry Paul.
Paul managed to cross while Bradford were reduced to 12 men but a Quins comeback never looked on the cards.
Deacon's penalty in the final quarter maintained his 100 percent record with boot and confirmed the home side's superiority, despite Dwayne Barker's late try.