Bradford Bulls 40 - Wigan Warriors
8

Patched-up Wigan produced a courageous display against a rejuvenated Bradford - but it was not enough to prevent a record-equalling third successive Super League defeat by 40-8.

Three tries in the last 15 minutes were cruel on the Warriors, whose 32-point margin of defeat surpassed their previous heaviest loss in Super League - a 34-6 reversal in the corresponding fixture last year.

Without captain Kris Radlinski and stand-off Danny Orr, in addition to their long-term injury victims, the youthful Warriors deserve considerable praise for pushing the Bulls all the way in a rip-roaring clash at Odsal.

Wigan, who included five players aged 20 or under and gave a debut to Leeds prop Wayne McDonald, were in touch at half-time when they trailed only 14-8 thanks to two tries from winger Brett Dallas.

But the greater experience of Bradford gradually won the day, with half-backs Robbie Paul and Iestyn Harris bossing the show.

Australian full-back Michael Withers, who scored Bradford?s dramatic match-winning try at Wigan in February, scored the 100th of his Bulls career to give his side the edge in a tightly-contested first half.

Bradford cut loose in the last 25 minutes, with former Australian Test forward Brad Meyers scoring two tries to double his tally for the club as the Bulls completed the double.

The hosts began the match just as they left off in their confidence-boosting 54-10 rout of Huddersfield last Sunday, with a try after only two minutes.

Harris made the initial break from a scrum 10 metres out - and although he was halted just short of the line, a quick pass from dummy half by Withers enabled Great Britain threequarter Stuart Reardon to cross for the game?s first score.

They would have been further ahead had Withers passed to the supporting Paul Deacon after another bust. But he took the wrong option, and the chance was lost.

Wigan took some time to find their feet. But gradually they came into the game, and dangerous threequarter pair David Vaealiki and Dallas both went close to scoring.

The pressure built, and the Bulls defence finally cracked when hooker Terry Newton raced away from a ruck. Superb handling by McDonald, Dennis Moran and Vaealiki enabled Dallas to touch down at the corner and level the scores.

Bradford were looking subdued at that stage but they sprang back to life with two tries in seven minutes to take a grip on the game.

Block-busting winger Lesley Vainikolo powered his way over for his sixth try in three games; then Harris cleverly put substitute Andy Lynch through a gap, and Withers was on his inside to go over for his landmark try.

Deacon and Harris had both missed conversions. Deacon made it third time lucky to put his side 10 points clear, but Wigan struck again in first-half injury time - with the excellent Vaealiki working Dallas over for his second try.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, Danny Tickle struck the woodwork with his conversion attempt after being off target with his first kick.

Withers was forced out of the action following a crucial hit from Dallas, while reserve hooker Wayne Godwin livened up Wigan?s attack when he came on for Newton.

The visitors could have been level when centre Stephen Wilde burst clear only for Bradford substitute Karl Pryce to intercept the final pass, and the error began to look costly when Bradford extended their lead - with Meyers forcing his way over from close range.

Deacon kicked his second conversion and then added a penalty on the hour, after captain Jamie Peacock had been tackled high by Danny Sculthorpe, to make it 22-8.

Wigan?s brave efforts then began to take their toll as Stuart Fielden powered his way over, and the impressive Reardon set up a second for Meyers before Paul rounded off the win with his side?s seventh try - to which Deacon added his sixth goal.

Bradford: Withers, Pratt, Reardon, L. Pryce, Vainikolo, Harris, Paul, Peacock, Deacon, Fielden, Parker, Radford, Langley. Replacements: K. Pryce, Vagana, Lynch, Meyers.

Wigan: Melling, Colbon, Aspinwall, Vaealiki, Dallas, Brown, Moran, Seu Seu, Newton, Guisset, Hansen, Wild, Tickle. Replacements: Sculthorpe, Godwin, Beswick, McDonald.

Bradford 40. Tries: Reardon, Vainikolo, Withers, Meyers 2, Fielden, Paul. Goals: Harris, Deacon 5.

Wigan 8. Tries: Dallas 2.

Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens)

Att: 13,527

Thanks to: http://www.superleague.co.uk for another excellent article.