Bradford Bulls 20 Crusaders 16: Platt's late try enables Bradford to gain full reward

The Bulls outscored their opponents by three tries to two, but with Michael Witt converting both of his side's scores and Bradford only managing one, the half-time deficit was just two points.

Two penalties from Witt edged the Crusaders ahead after the break but a converted score from Michael Platt eight minutes from time clinched the win.

The first try came after just three minutes when Matt Orford thumped the ball down field. The pack punched their way to within a few metres of the line where the ball was spun left and Orford's long pass coupled with some quick hands from Chris Nero allowed Dave Halley to dive over in the corner.

Orford was off-target with the conversion attempt but the blustery conditions played a part.

Crusaders mustered a speedy response when Weller Hauraki forced his way over and Witt tagged on the extras.

A 40-20 from Witt gave the visitors another good field position and the ball travelled through several pairs of hands for Vince Mellars to score. Witt slotted another great conversion but just four minutes later Bulls hit back.

Paul Sykes's high, hanging kick bounced awkwardly over Gareth Thomas midway between the posts and the left touchline for Chris Nero to touch down.

They regained the lead when Glenn Hall powered his way across and Orford slotted the first Bulls' goal of the afternoon.

Witt's penalties on 52 and 66 minutes put Crusaders ahead but the Bulls, who handed the Crusaders their first win in Super League in the same fixture last year, began to dominate and finally crossed for the match-winning score in the 72nd minute.

Orford dummied his way through the first line of defence, Nick Scruton took it on and when the full-back arrived he popped the ball right for Platt to claim his second try in four games.

Bradford Bulls: Kearney, Sheriffe, Platt, Nero, Halley, Sykes, Orford, Scruton, L'Estrange, Lynch, Whitehead, Langley, Menzies. Substitutes: Godwin, Donaldson, Worrincy, Hall.

Crusaders: Schifcofske, Thomas, Dyer, Mellars, Youngquest, Witt, Martin, O'Hara, Withers, Bryant, Hauraki, Chan, Trimarchi. Substitutes: Lupton, Winternstein, Peek, Thackray.

Referee: J Child (Dewsbury).