REPORT | |
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1999 SLGF
2001 WCC
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COACH : Daniel Anderson (2005-06-26 : 2008-12-31 ) |
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MATCH REPORT |
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MATCH REPORT : Saints went down to their second consecutive Super League defeat for the first time in 45 games as they were edged out by a fired-up Bradford side that showed they are not going to relinquish their title without a fight. Paul Deacon contributed 16 of his side’s 20 points, as they staged a revival to overturn a ten-point deficit , with Deacon’s 63rd-minute penalty ultimately proving to be the difference between the two sides. Of concern will be Saints’ lack of potency in attack, as they have now accumulated only 74 points in their last four matches away from home. However their achilles heel proved to be their indiscipline, as they conceded 10 penalties in the opening 40 minutes which directly contributed to the Bulls’ three scoring plays. Saints were looking to claim their third win against Bradford in 2006 and they got off to an ideal start when Ade Gardner scored after just four minutes. Bradford had been ‘nilled’ in their last home match, against Leeds Rhinos, and were keen to ensure there was no repeat. After the video referee disallowed Paul Deacon’s try for obstruction, Bradford’s scrum-half was not to be denied for a second time when he was on hand to seize Terry Newton’s offload near the tryline. Deacon converted his own try and added a penalty to put the home side into a slender lead that would have been extended but for a magnificent try-saving tackle by man-of-the-match Paul Wellens on Lesley Vainikolo. It was a glimpse of what rugby league fans can see in the ‘XXXX’ Test at Knowsley Road in 10 days’ time when up to 18 of the players on show tonight will line up for Great Britain and New Zealand. Saints immediately turned defence into attack and it was Wellens himself who scored after Sean Long and Nick Fozzard had combined on the last tackle. Francis Meli was then denied a try by the video referee, who curiously penalised the Saints winger for an offence that was difficult to ascertain. It was only a momentary respite for the Bulls defence as James Graham demonstrated why he was named in the 20-man Great Britain squad this week with a barnstorming 40 metre run that created a try for the supporting Lee Gilmour. The former Bradford second-rower should’ve scored his second moments later, but couldn’t hold Gardner’s astute knock-down from Long’s hanging kick. Buoyed by the let-off, Bradford launched their own attack and, after two penalties gave them good field position, Vainikolo touched down in the right corner. Further Saints indiscipline, this time with ball in hand, contributed to Bradford’s third try after half-time as Saints surrendered possession inside their own half in consecutive sets. Newton and Deacon combined again to good effect for the scrum-half to score his second try. Four penalties in as many minutes then gave Deacon the opportunity to slot over a penalty to regain the lead for Bradford. Disappointingly Saints rarely threatened in the remaining time, with Bulls’ replacement hooker Ian Henderson going closest to scoring on the hooter, but the video referee’s denial was immaterial as the home side claimed only their second win in six games. Bulls: Michael Withers, Lesley Vainikolo, Shontayne Hape, Ben Harris, Marcus St Hilaire, Iestyn Harris, Paul Deacon, Stuart Fielden, Terry Newton, Andy Lynch, Brad Meyers, Chris McKenna, Jamie Langley. Subs: Joe Vagana, Stanley Gene, Brett Ferres, Ian Henderson. T: Deacon (2), Vainikolo. G: Deacon (4/6). Saints: Paul Wellens, Ade Gardner, Jamie Lyon, Willie Talau, Francis Meli, Leon Pryce, Sean Long, Paul Anderson, Keiron Cunningham, Jason Cayless, Lee Gilmour, Paul Sculthorpe, Jason Hooper. Subs: James Roby, Nick Fozzard, James Graham, Jon Wilkin. T: Gardner, Wellens, Gilmour. G: Lyon (3/3). Referee: R Silverwood. |
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