Bulls end drought in style
Bradford Bulls snapped a run of five straight Super League defeats with a 34-12 victory over Celtic Crusaders at Brewery Field.
Last Updated: 26/07/09 11:39am
Bradford Bulls snapped a run of five straight Super League defeats and gained revenge on Celtic Crusaders with a 34-12 victory at Brewery Field.
The result also denied the Crusaders the chance to complete their only possible home and away double following their win at the Grattan Odsal Stadium back in May.
Tries from Glenn Morrison, Elliot Whitehead and Dave Halley powered the Bulls into a 18-0 lead at the end of their first half, a deficit which proved too much to overcome for the hosts.
Damien Quinn and Matty Smith hit back for the Crusaders in the second period, however Bradford added three further scores of their own - Andy Lynch crossing twice before Semi Tadulala sealed the win.
A scorless opening 18 minutes was brought to an abrupt end when Morrison, who is joining Wakefield at the end of the season, raced in from 10 yards following a long run by Chris Nero.
Home and dry
Bradford powered even further ahead when Whitehead grabbed his first try for the club before full-back Halley went over - Paul Deacon converting two of the three scores to put the visitors 16-0 up after half an hour.
And the Bulls went into the break 18-0 up after Deacon booted a penalty seconds before the half-time hooter.
Crusaders showed more intent after the restart, however Bradford added a fourth try when Lynch somehow managed to ground the ball.
At 24-0, Bradford were all but home and dry. However, home hooker Lincoln Withers gave the home supporters some brief cheer when he raced 20 yards to open the Crusaders' account.
The relief was short-lived as prop Lynch grabbed his second before the Crusaders countered with a well-worked touchdown from stand-off Matt Smith.
But Steve McNamara's men had the final say whenTadulala wrapped up Bradford's win with a sixth try in the 79th minute.