Bradford 28 London 2: Bulls’ defence pleases Lowes as Broncos fail to profit from attacks

JAMES LOWES: Bradford coach delighted to stop London grabbing a try in the Championship.

Bradford made it eight successive league wins since their opening day defeat at Leigh but the margin of victory does little justice to how hard fellow full-timers London made the Bulls work for their success.

The first clash of the two sides relegated from Super League turned into an error strewn and stoppage-ridden encounter in cold and blustery conditions.

The Bulls claimed five tries without having their line breached and coach James Lowes was pleased with the way his side repelled the Broncos.

“London are a good solid side and defensively we were good,” stressed Lowes. “They have some young players who could become big names in the game and I’m pleased that we held them out.”

Bradford were handicapped by the loss of both half back Harry Siejka and centre Adrian Purtell during the first half but still went to the break 12-2 ahead, courtesy of tries from Jay Pitts and Adam O’Brien against a penalty, right on the half time hooter, from Fijian international Wes Naiqama.

London pressed in several periods without reward and further Bulls tries from Lee Gaskell, Chris Ulugia and Etu Uaisele plus four conversions from five attempts from Ryan Shaw sealed the win.

Jay Pitts extended his try a game record to five matches by crossing, while hooker O’Brien scored from close range and the scoreboard attendant were not needed again until Naiqama’s penalty with the last kick of the half.

Alex Mellor was denied a try for offside before Gaskell spliced open the London defence – his tenth of the season – shortly afterwards.

Wingers Ulugia and Uaisele then scored in opposite corners to clinch the victory and end London’s three-match winning run.

Bradford: Shaw; Uaisele, Purtell, Henry, Ulugia; Gaskell, Siejka; Clough, O’Brien, Sidlow, Olbison, Pitts, Addy. Substitutes: Lauaki, Ferguson, Fleming, Mellor.

London: Hellewell; R Williams, Farrah, Naiqama, Macani; Thomas, Gilmore; Lovegrove, Dwyer, D Williams, Harrison, Garside, Minchella. Substitutes: Nasso, Thackray, Dollapi, Everett.

Referee: J Cobb (RFL).