Halifax 20 Bradford 16: Halifax edge out Bulls in derby thriller thanks to Tyrer’s late try

With the scores locked at 
16-16, Halifax centre Steve Tyrer scooped up a loose ball on half way and raced away to score by the posts and finally settle a rollercoaster contest.

The home side were on the front foot from the off, with veteran forward Richard Moore – who was in fantastic form all game – announcing his intentions with a thunderous tackle from the kick off.

Bradford were the first team to threaten in attack, prop Steve Crossley being pulled back for a forward pass as he dived over by the posts.

But that was about as good as it got for the visitors in the opening half as they struggled to deal with Halifax’s intensity in defence, making a string of forced errors in the slippy conditions.

It was Halifax who took the lead, Australian prop Mitch Cahalane charging between the posts for Tyrer to convert after 12 minutes.

The home side continued to dominate and added to their tally when half-back Ben Johnston put centre Ben Heaton over just after the half hour, Tyrer converting for a 12-0 lead.

Tyrer added a penalty on the stroke of half-time. But it was the visitors who drew first blood in the second half with a touchdown from Jay Pitts four minutes after the break.

Full-back Ryan Shaw converted and was on target again when centre Adam Henry scrambled over to close the gap to 14-12.

The visitors took the lead when newly-signed winger Omari Caro touched down to put his side 16-14 ahead.

But Tyrer levelled the scores with a penalty, before pouncing for the winning touchdown.

Halifax: Johnston; Saltonstall, Heaton, Tyrer, Saxton; Robinson, Murrell; Tangata, Maneely, Cahalane, Moore, Manning, Bracek. Subs: Fairbank, Barber, Boyer, Wood

Bradford Bulls: Shaw; Clare, Blythe, Henry, Caro; Mendeika, Addy; Clough, Halafihi, Crossley, Olbison, Walshaw, Walker. Subs: Fleming, Lauaki, Pitts, O’Brien.

Referee: Joe Cobb