Warm up series for Super League X

Bradford cast aside a string of pre-season problems to warm up for the new Super League season with a nine-try 50-30 win over Huddersfield at Odsal.

The Bulls were in full command at 50-18 with 10 minutes to go but then made a series of changes which enabled Huddersfield to grab two late consolation tries.

Bradford?s build-up was hampered first when they were pipped by arch rivals Leeds for the signature of Wakefield?s Gareth Ellis, then by the injury to New Zealand centre Shontayne Hape and also the suspension of new hooker Ryan Hudson following an alleged drug infringement.

But they moved into gear impressively, scrum-half Paul Deacon kicking seven goals and scoring a try and the Pryce brothers Karl (with a hat-trick) and Leon (one try) also making significant contributions.

One of the most encouraging features for the Bulls was the form of Great Britain stand-off Iestyn Harris.

The Welshman often struggled to find form last season after his spell in rugby union - but he looked sharp and clinical against the Giants.

There was also a heartening start by new Australian forward Brad Meyers, who showed plenty of willingness for work and helped lay on a try with an enthusiastic charge down of a clearing kick.

Huddersfield were without their new Australian signings - centre Michael De Vere and hooker Brad Drew.

But stand-off Chris Thorman - back with the Giants after his spell with Parramatta - promised well-being at the heart of most of their attacking work in a highly-competitive first half, along with centre Stanley Gene and hooker Sean Penkywicz.

It was 20-12 to the Bulls at half-time. But they began to pull away in the second half, with Harris having an increasing influence, despite two tries from Huddersfield?s Marcus Saint Hilaire and five goals for Thorman. ____________________

Stand-in skipper Sean O?Loughlin grabbed a brace of tries to inspire a second-half comeback by Wigan which saw them beat London Broncos 46-30.

Wigan raced into an early 12-0 lead with tries from Stephen Wild and Bryn Hargreaves, both converted by Danny Tickle, who finished the match with six goals.

But Aussies Tyrone Smith and Mark McLinden sparked a Broncos revival with a try apiece - the impressive McLinden striking from inside his own half to claim a spectacular touchdown. Winger Lee Greenwood nudged London in front with a controversial try after Smith appeared to offload after he had been forced into touch.

Wigan took control after the break with O?Loughlin providing the spark, and there were further second-half tries for newcomer Wayne Godwin, Kris Radlinski on his return from injury, Bob Beswick and Harrison Hansen.

But the Broncos contributed to the entertainment at Orrell rugby union club?s Edge Hall Road ground claiming three more tries from Solomon Haumono, Ade Adebisi and Gary Peacham.

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Two tries from full-back Brent Grose in the final seven minutes of the friendly with Salford gave Warrington a dramatic late 26-24 victory at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The Wolves trailed 24-14 when Grose touched down a perfectly-weighted kick from Lee Briers with seven minutes remaining, and Briers converted to cut the deficit to just four points at 24-20.

Then, with two minutes left on the clock, Toa Kohe-Love cut through the Salford defence on a midfield break and Grose was on hand to take his pass and score to level the game at 24-24.

Briers then kept his nerve to land the match-winning conversion and seal the win.

A first-half hat-trick of tries from full-back Karl Fitzpatrick had earlier looked like guiding Salford to victory.

Fitzpatrick crossed twice in the opening 12 minutes as firstly he touched down Luke Robinson's kick and followed that up when he took Sean Rutgerson's pass from close range to score, with Robinson adding both conversions.

In the final minute of the first half, prop Andy Coley blasted through the Wolves defence and Fitzpatrick was in support to collect his pass and score.

The full-back then converted his own try to give Salford an 18-4 half-time lead with Warrington's points coming from an Andy Bracek try.

Warrington, who gave debuts to Martin Gleeson and Logan Swann, hinted at a comeback early in the second half as they reduced the deficit to just four points at 18-14.

Ben Westwood and Henry Fa'afili both touched down for the home side with Briers adding one conversion.

A superb individual try from Salford forward Gareth Haggerty edged Salford further ahead before Grose's late double saw the Wolves home.

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Widnes Vikings had too much firepower for Super League new boys Leigh Centurions and ran up a convincing 48-26 victory at Halton Stadium.

The Vikings started the brightest of the two and after a series of powerful drives the Widnes pack led to Daniel Frame opening up a huge gap which was well exploited by Shane Millard for the opening try.

Both teams were reduced to 12 on eight minutes when John Stankevitch and Jason Kemp were sent to the sin bin for fighting.

Then talented Australian stand-off Owen Craigie?s perfectly-weighted kick was well taken by Aaron Moule for Widnes? second.

Leigh hit back in the shape of stand-off Phil Jones after he latched onto Jason Ferris? towering kick.

Then Mick Cassidy?s deft pass sent Millard over for his second.

Leigh were again reduced to 12 men on 32 minutes when referee Paul Tavener sent Mark Leafa for a 10-minute break after he took out Stephen Myler.

From the resulting penalty Widnes full-back Gary Connolly flew in for his first try in Vikings? colours and six minutes later Stankevitch was yellow-carded for the second time, along with Oliver Wilkes for an altercation on the halfway line.

In the space of five minutes Leigh?s Rob Smyth and Nick Owen went over to keep the visitors in touch at the break.

Widnes started to turn up the heat in the second period and two tries in two minutes from Craigie and Paul Ballard gave the Vikings an 18-point buffer.

Tim Holmes and Misili Manu crashed over for another Vikings score to put the game well beyond Leigh?s reach.

Leigh managed to grab two converted tries through Jason King, but it proved to be a consolation as Vikings centre John Whittle rounded off the scoring.