‘Sad’ Lowes intent on ending season positively

The famous club fell out of the top flight for the first time in 40 years after losing 52-26 at Huddersfield Giants.

It leaves them 13 points from safety with just six matches to go and, though they can still possibly win back the six points they were docked for going into administration at the High Court, everyone is now resigned to their fate.

After losing a sixth straight game, Lowes said: “I thought the lads did themselves justice and went about their business really well.

“We just weren’t clinical enough. It’s a shame but the lads have gone down fighting, definitely, and they will for the rest of the season. You saw our character there and I think we will get a win before the end of the year.”

He admitted the mood was “sad” as Bradford look to begin for life in the Championship.

“I’ve been at this stadium popping champagne at the end of games and squirting beer everywhere,” said Lowes, who was man-of-the-match when Bradford beat Newcastle Knights at Huddersfield in 2002 to win their first-ever World Club Challenge title.

“As you can imagine, the dressing room is a sad place because it’s a sad time now.

“But let’s be right, it’s a game of rugby and a sport.

“If we want to play the game back at the top level then we’ve got to finish this season off in the right manner and prepare for what will be a tough Championship year.”

Huddersfield led just 26-20 early in the second half.

Their coach Paul Anderson said: “The win was the key, more than anything.

“We just need to make sure we are a bit more ruthless.

“We completed at only 60 per cent and we made soft errors as well in that first half.”