Bradford Claim
ESL Grand Final

A powerful second-half display secured Bradford the Super League title with a 25-12 Grand Final defeat of Wigan at Old Trafford.

The Warriors threatened an upset when they raced into a 6-0 lead, Danny Tickle brushing aside Paul Deacon's attempted tackle to race over for a try which Andy Farrell converted.

Deacon redeemeed himself with two penalties to reduce his side's arrears to 6-4 at the break and he levelled matters shortly after the interval with another angled goal.

Gradually the Bulls began to get on top and they led for the first time in the 53rd minute when Stuart Reardon, who had a magnificent game at full-back, stepped over for a try from 15 metres.

Deacon goaled as he did minutes later when Shontayne Hape crashed over from close range.

Deacon then dropped a goal which seemingly sealed his side's win only for Wigan to haul themselves back into the game.

Martin Aspinwall made the break from deep inside his own half and held off the cover before sending Kris Radlinski over between the posts.

Farrell's goal reduced the Bulls' lead to seven points but there was to be a fitting finale.

James Lowes, retiring after an illustrious career, dived over from dummy-half five minutes from time to spark scenes of celebration among the Bradford supporters.

Bradford coach Brian Noble saluted his all-conquering side who were completing a Grand Final and Challenge Cup double.

He said: "I'm just delighted for the players. They are a champion team and they've deserved to win the cup and now this.

"Wigan were great and for the first 15 minutes we were like rabbits caught in the headlights.

"But we showed the character to find a way to win this game - we showed that the team spirit here is intact."