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1999 SLGF
2001 WCC
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COACH : Mick Potter (2009-01-01 : 2010-12-31 ) |
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MATCH REPORT |
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MATCH REPORT : BRADFORD came from behind to beat Saints 34-30 at the GPW Recruitment Stadium. Down 26-10 at the break, they staged a determined second half revival to notch only their third win of the season. Ten nil up after two tries from Semi Tadulala, Saints hit back with an awesome final 12 minutes of the first half to lead 26-10 at the break. Saints were unstoppable in that period scoring five tries through Francis Meli (2) and Leon Pryce, Gary Wheeler and Ade Gardner. What was more incredible was that Saints were not at the races at all for 30 minutes, then blasted ahead following some absolutely breathtaking Rugby League. After the interval, Bradford got back into the game as Craig Kopczak and Sam Burgess sandwiched a Sean Long try, before a Michael Worrincy double made it game on. Saints tried to break several times in the last ten minutes, but Bradford’s defence was too firm. Mick Potter had a couple of injury concerns before kick off with Matt Gidley and Tony Puletua both pulling up in training. In their place, came Chris Dean and Bryn Hargreaves, Matty Ashurst gaining a late call up on the bench. Bradford had several injury concerns and went with a slightly unfamiliar looking line up. Second rower Steve Menzies starting at centre with Paul Sykes, usually a centre himself taking on the stand-off role. Fullback Michael Platt was named at centre. New signing Julian Rinaldi was named on the bench. After an impeccable minute’s silence in memory of the late Irene Clarke, the wife of first team kit man Alan Clarke, Bradford kicked off. And within a minute, Semi Tadulala had scored from a cute kick to the corner from David Solomona. In the build-up, Ben Jeffries had clearly knocked on and even stopped playing before he was given the go ahead to continue playing by Richard Silverwood. It was a dreadful call that rocked the Saints and Paul Sykes added the goal to make it 6-0. And on 10 minutes, Tadulala got his second after receiving a pass from Michael Platt. Five minutes later Burgess put down after Menzies did some superb work in the air to knock it back into the field of play and into the hands of the young forward. But the video referee, Ian Smith, claimed The Beaver had knocked it forward and therefore scratched it off. Saints first real attack came on 22 minutes when Fa’asavalu rampaged down the field, took on all-comers but just failed to ground the ball under pressure from Menzies. It was an unlucky play after Sean Long has released the big fella with a superb pass. And the Saints were nearly punished straightaway when Menzies caught a high ball and put down after he lost control of the ball. It was a mistake Saints took advantage of. Moments later the ball went wide through Roby, Long, Wellens and Gilmour before the latter drew the man and Gardner was in. It was a much needed try after a disappointing first 30 minutes. Long hitting the post with the conversion. And on Saints next set, the ball went left and Francis Meli just put it down under pressure over in the corner. Superb. It was a marvelous passing movement which involved Long, Wellens, Wilkin and Wheeler, then the Kiwi. From there, Saints had belief and were making good yards down the field. A super high ball from Long won another set and after some nice passing, Pryce was in to give the home team the lead. Long with his first conversion of the night. Then, from the restart, Pryce took a ball on the full, got it away to Graham who flicked out the most amazing ball to Wilkin. Wilkin scampered 40 yards before being hauled down, but two tackles later, the ball went left and Wheeler was in at pace. Simply breathtaking and bettered when Long notched his second goal of the evening.hat was Saints’ fourth try in ten minutes to blow Bradford away. And it got better. This time, again from the restart, Roby got the better of the Bulls’ defence, broke the line and passed to Meli who was over for his second. Long again with the conversion. Half Time: Saints 26 Bradford 10 Both sides had chances to score in the second half but poor ball retention meant they were lost. But the Bulls had the first real opportunity when they were given a penalty in Saints’ half and then one right on the line. So it was no surprise when Rinaldi fed Craig Kopczak and he stretched out under the sticks. Sykes converting. Saints replied instantly. Pryce took the ball at speed, passed to Wheeler who chipped ahead, then chipped again on the fly into the hands of Long who scored. On 60 minutes, Sam Burgess got the benefit of the doubt from the video referee as he stretched out close to the line. And minutes later Worrincy got a double to put the cat amongst the pigeons. Saints were rocking and the Bulls sensed the win. With five minutes to go Lee Gilmour forced a drop out but Saints just couldn’t make it count. And a penalty three minutes from time gave the home side another chance. But Bradford’s defence held out and the Bulls were home. |
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