Bulls back to winning ways

Official English Super League Round 21 Report - Sunday game. Full time Bradford 58 Leigh 12. Bulls back to winning ways

Centre Ben Harris led the way with a hat-trick of tries as Bradford scored a first win in four games to strengthen hopes of a top six place with a 58-12 victory against Leigh Centurions.

Fellow Australian Ian Henderson marked his home debut with a well-taken try in a lively performance, hinting he could well be the answer to Bradford's long-standing hooking problem.

And, with full-back Michael Withers and forward Brad Meyers also on the scoresheet, it was a good day for Bradford's Australian contingent.

The Bulls were off to an ideal start with two tries in the first 10 minutes.

Able to pile on the pressure as Leigh conceded five early penalties, the hosts went ahead when Henderson sent in Great Britain prop Stuart Fielden and the hooker then scored with a jinking run from close range.

As Bradford continued to control the match, Leigh winger Ben Cooper made a try-saving interception when winger Stuart Reardon looked a certain scorer.

And the Bulls were denied again when full-back Withers crossed the line but was unable to ground the ball.

The one-way traffic continued with Iestyn Harris side-stepping his way to the line after good combination with namesake Ben, who then raced in from 65 metres after charging down a Leigh kick and holding off the despairing chase of full-back John Wilshere.

Scrum-half Paul Deacon added his fourth goal to make it 24-0 after 26 minutes but the biggest cheer of the day was to greet the appearance as substitute of New Zealand centre Shontayne Hape, who has not played since last season after a major knee operation.

Leigh finally had something to cheer after 33 minutes when centre Phil Jones intercepted a loose pass from Deacon at half way and strolled to the line, also adding the goal.

Almost immediately Bradford struck again with a second touchdown for Ben Harris, fed superbly by substitute Leon Pryce - who had just come on to the field to replace Iestyn Harris.

Leading 30-6 at the break Bradford soon extended their lead on the resumption with winger Karl Pratt racing in from 35 metres - but Deacon had his first miss in six attempts.

Winger Rob Smyth raised Leigh hopes with a fine run down the right flank but the move fizzled out and Pryce intercepted a loose pass to race away to the line from 80 metres, Deacon's seventh goal making the score 40-6 after 51 minutes.

Scrum-half Jason Kent and forward Craig Stapleton kept plugging away to try to inspire Leigh and there was reward for their persistence on the hour when Cooper was presented with a gift of a try after Bradford defenders Reardon and Withers collided while attempting to catch a high kick.

Despite being firmly in command, Bradford lost their dominance for a while after making frequent changes, but Iestyn Harris returned to create the eighth try for Withers and with Deacon absent he also added the goal.

Meyers put up the 50 by crashing over from close range and then Ben Harris marked the announcement of his club man-of-the-match award by scoring in the corner after another strong run.

Bradford: Withers, Reardon, B. Harris, Johnson, Pratt, I. Harris, Deacon, Vagana, Henderson, Fielden, Peacock, Meyers, Langley. Replacements: L. Pryce, Hape, Lynch, Parker.

Leigh: Wilshere, Smyth, Halliwell, P. Jones, Cooper, Govin, Kent, Fleary, Rowley, Stapleton, C. Jones, Wilkes, Leafa. Replacements: Jackson, Stevens, Mears, Sturm.

Bradford: (30) 58 Tries: Fielden, Henderson, I. Harris, B. Harris 3, Pratt, L. Pryce, Withers, Meyers. Goals: Deacon 6, I. Harris 3.

Leigh: (6) 12. Tries: P. Jones, Cooper. Goals: P. Jones 2.

Referee: Ashley Klein (London) Att: 10,294

Thanks to http://www.superleague.co.uk/ for this great article.