Warrington 54 Bradford 6: Kear takes heart from Bulls despite Challenge Cup defeat

Steve Price was happy Warrington avoided a potential banana skin after his side defeated Bradford 54-6 in the fifth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

Winger Josh Charnley was at the heart of the 10-try rout at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, touching down four times as he passed 1,000 career points.

Centre Bryson Goodwin finished with a personal tally of 20 points as he claimed a hat trick of tries and kicked four goals.

Price said: “It was a professional display as these can be awkward games against lower league opposition.

“It was a testament to the character of the group that we replicated the game plan and stayed at it and it was a great opportunity for some of the young guys who have not had a great deal of game time.

Credit to Bradford, they are a well coached team under John Kear and they threw a lot at us early on and their fans who showed up were very passionate. It would be great for Bradford to get back on the map again after all the history and success they had in the past.”

Bradford coach Kear was heartened by not only the display of his players but also the turnout of thousands of Bulls fans.

And the Bulls were rewarded for their efforts with a late try and conversion from stand-off Joe Keyes.

Kear said: “I am full of admiration for the Bulls players, they never, ever gave in and the endeavour, effort and commitment was there for all to see. It may sound strange but I’ve come away feeling heartened when I look at this great club being reborn.

“I don’t just say that on the field of play but when you looked behind the posts and it’s packed with Bulls fans - and I would hazard a guess to say there were more Bulls supporters than there were for some Super League teams who have come here - and then to give the reception they did to the players it’s heartwarming.

“It makes you feel inspired to keep working hard to try and grow this team again to be a Super League team within a Super League club.

“Warrington scored some fantastic tries and they are a good team who have been growing and added some attacking flair after getting their defence in order, and I think we have come away with some credit.”

Warrington: Ratchford, Charnley, Goodwin, Atkins, M. Brown, Patton, Roberts, Hill, Smith, Akauola, Currie, Hughes, G. King. Substitutes: Philbin, Livett, Westwood, Moran.

Bradford: Pickersgill, Grant, Gibson, Oakes, Ryan, Keyes, Minchella, Kirk, Halafihi, Crossley, Garside, Johnson, Milton. Substitutes: Flanagan, Peltier, Bustin, Wood.

Referee: Tom Grant (RFL).