The Bradford Bulls faced off against the Sheffield Eagles in a high-stakes Betfred Championship game. Despite not being in their best form, the Bulls managed to secure a vital 30-12 victory, pushing them closer to a play-off spot. Third-placed Bradford can now feel more confident about their position, especially with Widnes and Featherstone both losing their matches.
Key Moments of the Game
The game started off with Sheffield putting early pressure on Bradford. A hesitant Lee Gaskell allowed James Glover to reel in the Sheffield kick-off, which nearly resulted in a try for the hosts. However, Tom Holmes and Zac Fulton brilliantly held Cory Aston up over the line.
Bradford managed to draw first blood when referee Cameron Worsley penalized Sheffield for two fouls. From the second foul, Jordan Lilley secured two points for the Bulls. This was followed by Jayden Myers holding off three determined defenders near the line.
Challenges and Injuries
The match saw a lengthy delay when Eribe Doro sustained a back injury and had to be helped off the field. Head coach Eamon O’Carroll later confirmed that Doro had gone to the hospital for a scan to assess the severity of his injury.
Despite this setback, Bradford quickly bounced back, with Ebon Scurr blasting them to within a couple of meters before Sam Hallas finished the move for a converted try. Although Jesse Sene-Lefao and Vila Halafihi nearly extended their lead, some errors prevented additional points.
Sheffield’s Resurgence
Sheffield fought back hard, with Aston’s kick setting up Kris Welham to feed Alex Foster for a try. They continued to press, but a forward pass denied them a crucial score before halftime. Sheffield capitalized early in the second half but Bulls’ Franklin Pele made significant runs, allowing Jordan Lilley to extend the lead to 14-6.
Intense Second Half
The game took another twist when Jayden Myers received a yellow card for dangerous contact. Despite being a man down, Bradford managed to hold Sheffield at bay. Sheffield’s Jesse Sene-Lefao was later sent to the sin bin, which Bradford capitalized on, with Romain Franco scoring under the posts to make it 20-6.
Final Push and Victory
Sheffield continued to fight, with Kyle Wood nearly setting up Matty Marsh for a try. Marsh eventually scored, bringing Sheffield closer at 20-12. However, brilliant play from Lilley and Holmes set up Taufua for two tries in quick succession, sealing the 30-12 victory for the Bulls.
Team Line-Ups
Sheffield: Jones-Bishop, Millar, Welham, Glover, Dawson-Jones, Aston, Marsh, Battye, Halafihi, Dickinson, Foster, Sene-Lefao, Gwaze. Interchanges: Broadbent, Clark, Wood, Roberts. 18th man: Hodgson.
Bradford: Holmes, Okunbor, Myers, Franco, Taufua, Gaskell, Lilley, Lawrence, Ott, Doro, Fulton, Appo, Hallas. Interchanges: Pele, Smith, Scurr, Davies. 18th man: Lehmann.
Player of the Match
Jordan Lilley was named the Bulls’ man of the match for his crucial plays, excellent defense, and leadership on the field. His contributions were vital in securing Bradford’s win over Sheffield.
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