Highs and Lows

 

BULLieve

 

25^th June 2013

 

Hi everyone and welcome to another edition of BULLieve.

First and foremost I’d like to leave a very positive farewell message for Jay! You did a brilliant job and made a lot of friends doing the blog, you will be missed doing it and I’m grateful you have given me the chance to take over for the time being. I hope your new training course goes well and a full time job comes out of it! A very massive THANK YOU from me and all the fans and we wish you all the best!

As we are all now aware Elliott Whitehead has departed from us and will be joining Catalan Dragons on a 2 and a half year deal. There is an undisclosed fee but I am sure this will benefit the club in the long term. The transfer was completed yesterday and on behalf of all Bradford bulls fans we would like to wish him all the best for the future and, you will be sadly missed. Thank you for your service over the years and we hope you enjoy yourself at Catalan as much as you did at Bradford for a while.

Over the weekend the Provident Stadium was taken over by scouts.

 

 The Provident Stadium was the place to be scouting about for challenges and adventure during Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of Scouts from all over West Yorkshire gathered there to take part in two days packed full of fun, aptly named Bully’s Big Bash. Scouts took over the stadium on Saturday daytime trying out new experiences from Zorbing and abseiling to axe throwing and learning survival skills. Then, in the evening, with the homeless charity in mind made their own shelters building them around the pitch to create a huge camp. On the Sunday the scouts had a fun filled morning doing various tasks and sat down to watch the Bulls VS Widnes.

In great news this week we have had 2 lots of news.

 

 The first of which was, Chev Walker signing for another year with the option of a further year if he wishes and, was very delighted to have this new deal and had this to say;

“Franny has shown faith in me and I’m more than willing to extend my time here.  Like I’ve said before, I feel at home at Bradford and am really enjoying my rugby. I started off really well this year but then, just after Easter, I started to get a few niggles. I’ve just had a clear-out of my knee but that’s fixed so now it’s time to crack on and find a bit of form again.” Head Coach Francis Cummins was also very happy that Chev had signed and had this to say;

“Chev is an outstanding professional and his experience is immense.  He’s in the twilight of his career but he lives his life really well with his diet and general lifestyle. He’s passing that on to his team-mates because he’s not prepared to let other people make mistakes, which is a huge thing.  During pre-season, he just missed out on his personal best for a 40-metre sprint, which he got when he was flying as a young kid.  He’s done really well and is evolving into a middle man whilst trying to learn his trade again." Brilliant news for the fans and on behalf of all Bulls fans we would like to say thank you!

Just this morning, the news had finally made official the Garreth Carvell rumours.

 

Garreth has signed a 2 year deal with us from the 2014 season and will be a big edition to the pack which, is desperately needed. Prop Carvell has previously played for Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos and has been at Warrington Wolves since 2009. Head coach Francis Cummins spoke about Garreth and had this to say;

“In general we’ve got a young squad and most of it is about providing belief.  We just need to take the next step and the experience that Gareth brings will be invaluable in this area. It’s a different challenge that he’s going to face here but obviously the desire must still be there because he is continually striving to improve his game.  I have spoken to him about what we need and he’s delighted to be coming on board.”

During the week the under 19’s were in action against the Widnes Vikings at the Provident stadium.

 

The young guns took full control of the game and came out 34-0 winners despite Hooker Danny Gregory and Full Back Curtis Naughton sin binned in the last 10 minutes.

Well done lads that is another 2 points in the bag and the hard work really paid off this time.

Onto Sunday and the 1^st team were back on home turf after 52 days away from the Provident stadium.

 

The game was to end in a loss for a 1^st half dominant Bulls side who, seemed to have control of the game yet somehow still lose. Early scores from Adam Sidlow, Keith Lulia and James Donaldson gave the Bulls a half time lead of 18-10 but, the second half was a complete different story despite Michael Platt scoring a superb try after showing Rhys Hanbury a dummy and scoring after running 55 metres down field. But the visitors never gave up and a super 80 metre dash from ex Bull Patrick Ah Van and his second try 3 minutes later put the game to bed and gave a final score of Bulls 28 – 32 Vikings.

That victory was Widnes’s first win since 1990 and has put them up to 11^th in the table just 2 points behind the Bulls who are in 9^th. Another loss and outside the play offs yes but, we must all stick by the team and also Francis Cummins as he is the man for the job.

Up next we have the Warrington Wolves at the Provident Stadium on Sunday with a 3pm kick off and, our ref will be none other than Richard Silverwood.  It is also his birthday so maybe fans could sing happy birthday to him during the game??

Special BULLieve Discount.

 BedzRus the sponsors of the BedzRus terrace are offering all you BULLievers a special discount in one of many discounts to come and here is the first one,

 

 This bedside chest features a drawer and a storage area it features an England themed finish in white, red and blue, just like the kit, and is complete with the traditional 3 lions England crest on the drawer front. Currently these retail at £99.99 but, to all you BULLievers, this will be discounted to just £24.99 saving you a MASSIVE £75! There are only 24 in stock and it is first come first served. This special price is for collection only but, if you would like delivery there will be a £10 charge. Be quick though as, when they're gone, they're gone. Thank you to Mark Moore for this very special discount for BULLievers only. When purchasing this bedside chest please quote " BULLieve" for the discounted price. Also please don't forget to take a look at their full range online at www.bedruz.co.uk let’s see how many of these can be purchased and thank you very much Mark for this special discount.

Marks son Joshua is also doing a 320 mile bike ride from Cambridge to Paris for the Bull’s Foundation, if anyone would like to sponsor him please donate to www.charitygiving.co.uk/bikeride2013 I’m sure he would be more then grateful if you did as this is raising money for a good cause and all donations big or small are very much appreciated. Good luck Joshua your efforts are very much appreciated!

Bradford Bulls have today announced there will be a 20% discount sale of all Store items excluding those already on Special Offer.

 

The Sale will commence immediately and will continue until further notice.

The Sale will also be available from our new City Centre Retail Outlet, which will be located in the Tourist Information Centre, Brittania House, Broadway. The new Retail Outlet will be opening shortly.

 

Events being held at the Provident stadium.

 

Thursday 27^th June

From 5pm YEN and Bradford Bulls are holding a FREE networking Event on Thursday 27th June 2013, this event will be held in the Coral Stand, Provident Stadium. As you know Bradford Bulls have made great strides since September and are continuing to look to Bradford and their corporate partners for ways in which to increase revenue and innovate in business. We feel your attendance to this event will give Bradford Bulls the opportunity to widen their support network whilst providing you the opportunity to network with prominent businesses based in the Bradford district.

Registration will begin at 5pm followed by complementary drinks and canapés.

5.30pm – Welcome by Omar Khan

 5.45pm -Gerry Sutcliffe- The importance of networking and Bradford working together

 6.15pm-7.45pm – Networking with local business

We would be delighted if you and a colleague can attend and would bring two of your key clients to this fantastic networking event.

To book please email – events@yorkshirenetwork.co.uk

 

This Saturday 29^th June 2013

  The eagerly awaited comedy night with Tony Sutcliffe named “Keeping one eye on life”

 

Tony Sutcliffe, now living in Northern Ireland and brother of Bulls honorary chairman Gerry, has written and performed his new stand-up show across the UK and now brings it to his hometown of Bradford. Brilliantly observed and side-splittingly funny this is one show not to be missed.

 With excellent support from fantastic local singer Luke Hoyland bringing you music from the ages and ably compared by local funny man James Murgatroyd, you are assured of a memorable evening. The show starts at 8pm so get down early to get a decent seat. Tickets are available from the ticket office or on the Bulls website.

 

Friday 5th July 2013

 

 Come and join us for another of our popular Northern Soul Nights at the Provident Stadium with Live Music from True Brit.

 

 Tickets are £6.00 and are available from the Ticket Office.

Book early to avoid disappointment as the last Northern Soul Night was a big success.

 

Sunday 7th July 2013

 

 Car Boot Sale at the Provident Stadium and prices for sellers are,

 Cars £5 / Vans £7

 Hot drinks and beverages are available, as well as a carvery being served in the Trevor Foster Lounge from 12 - 4pm.

 

As you all may or may not  be aware, Ex Bulls player  Shaun Ainscough and his wife Lauren and little Archie are expecting a new baby in the family, on behalf of all us BULLievers we would like to wish you all the best!

 

Thank you to all you BULLievers out there for reading this weekly blog, it will be back at the normal day and time (Monday’s at 8pm) as from next week. Until then have a brilliant week and let’s pack the stadium out for the wolves game. COYB! And Don’t stop BULLieving.

Win some, Lose some.

BULLieve

17^th June 2013

 

 Good evening and welcome to this week’s edition of BULLieve.

 

 

 

As it was the England RL VS the Exiles there hasn’t been much in the way of news regarding the club. A massive well done to our very own Heath L’Estrange on his Exiles call up and, as per he played very well.

Well what an interesting piece in the Telegraph and Argus about Shaun Ainscough. Ainy (Shaun Ainscough) has said that he has realised that he made a mistake by not taking the offer from Coach Francis Cummins at the end of last season and regrets that decision. Ainscough is very popular with the fans and, when he turned the offer down he was very open and honest regarding his decision which was quite simply, he needed more money to be able to provide for his family. However, Ainscough has now set his sights on playing in Super League again and said he would be willing to play for Bradford on the money he turned down last year. This is superb news and, if we can then let’s sign Ainy back up as soon as possible as I’m sure he will make an impact upon the lads and morale will be boosted. Ainscough for me was the stand out player with the most passion and pride through our troubles and he publically placed that on show with his “save the Bulls” written on his vest at the Wigan away game.

 

 

Also regarding making mistakes it seems Elliot Whitehead has also made one too.

 

 

 

It was revealed last week that Elliot had put in a transfer request to the club. He was put “on leave” by Cummins who was quoted as saying “I can’t have players in my squad who don’t want to be here”. Currently Elliot is at Glenn Morrison’s Dewsbury Rams on dual registration. Elliot is now stuck as so far his agent has not had any offers for him which has had a negative impact on both Elliot and us as a club. I hope something can be resolved so as Elliot is a great young talent with a lot of potential and can be a great signing for any club.

 

It has been a very good week for Alex Mellor and Nathan Conroy who have been handed full time contracts.

 

 

Alex Mellor, a Back Row Forward who signed from Halifax side King Cross and Nathan Conroy, a Hooker from West Bowling in Bradford were both members of the England Academy Squad that played in France last month.  They will join the Bulls on Full Time contracts on July 1st and begin training with the First Team Squad.

Head Coach Francis Cummins said:

“The Academy side has had a tough season but Alex and Nathan have still stood out and you can see their talent.  It’s all about producing players for the first-team and now they are going full-time you will see the benefits of that.  We’ve already had a look at Alex and Nathan in the first-team environment and that’s what we’ll do with other players as well.”

This is great for the future of both the players and the club and, on behalf of all the Bulls fans out there well done lads you both thoroughly deserve your contracts.

The Bulls have also as a club had some good news as they are now part of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group as Associate Members. You can read the full story here, Parliament Article

On another plus note the Bulls have invested in their sports equipment up at their training facilities within their Tong training ground.

 

 

 

 

 The club is also looking to bolster the back room staff and become “more modern”. In terms of sports science and training equipment we are a little behind but, with the investment in both staff and equipment we will be up there with the likes of Leeds and Wigan which can only benefit the club and players in the long term.

There were 2 matches this weekend and both were at the Provident Stadium.

First up were the Bulls under 16’s side who played local rivals Leeds under 16’s. Although the Bulls were first to score, sadly they went down to a score line of Bradford 16 – 42 Leeds. Try scorers for the Bulls, Michael Paul, Matthew Dyson and Liam Kirk. Unlucky Lads you can’t win them all.

Up next to play was the under 19’s who were facing Sheffield Eagles under 19’s in a game full of handling errors by both sides. Despite the errors the Bulls managed to pull off a winning victory and post a score line of Bradford 38 – 20 Sheffield. Try Scorers for the Bulls, Jarrod Ward (2) Oliver Roberts (2) Liam Coe, Jordan Gale and Curtis Naughton. Adam Brook kicked 2 goals in the first half and 2 in the second with Jordan Gale 1.  Well done lads another great win keep up the good work.

It has finally arrived; 52 days of waiting and plenty of events at the Provident Stadium we finally have a home game.

 

 

This Sunday see’s the Widnes Vikings come to the Provident Stadium in what I feel is a must win game as we are sitting 9^th in the table. We kick off at 3pm and the gates will be open from 1.30pm let’s all get there and back the lads 100%.

Thank you once again to each and every reader and those of you who spread the blog far and wide it is very much appreciated.

 Until next week have a great week whatever you are doing and, don’t stop BULLieving.

Saints March Past The Bulls

BULLieve

10^th June 2013

 

Welcome to this week’s edition of BULLieve.

 

What a week it has been for the club. New sponsors Kar skip and grab hire have signed a 2 year sponsorship deal and will be responsible for all waste solutions and recycling at the Provident Stadium. The company is a Bradford based company which is great for the club keeping with their community links.

 

There is great news regarding the extension of player’s contracts which see’s Tom Olbison pen a new 2 year deal. Olbison, who joined the club in 2007 after being on the club’s Scholarship, had one year to run on his current deal but has now agreed a new improved contract to keep him at the Provident Stadium until the end of 2015.

Tom had this to say;

“I was here until the end of next year anyway, so they’ve added a year to it and I’m obviously delighted.  I take it as a big compliment because I wasn’t up for renewal and this is a big confidence boost because it shows the club want me here.  I was more than happy to take it because it gives me some added security.”

It is great to see such a young and talented player staying with our club and committing his future to The Bulls.  From all the fans we say, thank you Tom.

 

 

The biggest news of the week was the transfer request by Elliot Whitehead.

Elliot feels he is ready to play for a top 4 side and requested a transfer. Whilst this is on-going Francis Cummins has placed Whitehead on leave and said “I can’t have players in my squad who don’t want to be here”. We could debate Elliot’s decision all day/ week long but, I will say one thing and that is Elliot handled the situation better than Craig Kopczak. He hasn’t just left the club he placed a transfer request to the club which has been accepted. Good luck in the future Elliot you will be missed.

Our co-captain Heath L’Estrange has been called into the Exiles squad following the departure of Warrington’s Michael Monaghan. The Exiles will face England on Friday 14^th June at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington. Well done Heath, you fully deserve your place and we hope you come through the game unscathed as we don’t want yet another person on the side lines.

 

 

This weekend I had the pleasure of going to see our amazing family over in Bridlington and had a fantastic time.

Sami and I took 3 of our children to see Thomas Fynn, Kirsty Dew and their 2 children. Initially we were only going for the day but, ended up staying overnight. Whilst we had a lot to talk about Tom revealed that back in 2009 going to Murrayfield, he was the one who held up the supporters coach and other traffic for 60 miles. I thanked Tom in a very sarcastic way as, I was on the supporters coach and it was very warm and the holdup did not help at all. Whilst over on the east coast we was wearing our Bradford Bulls gear and my song is “Everywhere you go, always take the Bradford with you”.  We had a great time and cannot wait to go back.

 

Yesterday was a bad day for our club on the field. Firstly the under 19’s played Saint Helens U19’s in the curtain raiser but unfortunately the lads were on the wrong end of a 42-18 score line. Our try scorers were Todd Binns, Jarrod Ward and Nathan Conroy with Adam Brook converting all three tries. Unlucky lads, we are sure you will bounce back next game.

 

The first team squad were also playing Saint Helens. They too also fell to a defeat at the hands of the Saints. The game had errors from both sides which was officiated by Thierry Alibert. The Bulls were not on form and had a long afternoon at Langtree Park. Saints were the better team on the day and are now in the playoff spots at the expense of the Bulls who now sit in 9^th in the table. There was a lot of hard effort along with handling errors and missed tackles but the first half had put the game beyond the Bulls. Willie Manu, Tommy Makinson and Sia Soliola went over for the hosts before the break, Brett Kearney responding for the Bulls to make it 18-6 at half time. The Bulls looked optimistic about turning the game around and responded great in the second half even though Saints scored just after the interval. The Bulls responded through Matty Blythe and Elliot Kear to make the score line 24-18 but, Jon Wilkin's try was the match winner. Final score, Saint Helens 30 Bradford Bulls 18.

Francis Cummins has said there is an injury concern to Keith Lulia but the rest of the squad have come through uninjured. We are now sat in 9^th but I urge you all to back the boys and our coach Francis Cummins as, this is his first season with a very small squad and an ever growing injury list. Success is not an overnight thing and it takes time, effort and a lot of patience.

Next up we are finally back at home and will face Widnes Vikings Sunday 23^rd June and kick off is at 3pm.

 Important Information

If you have purchased a groupon voucher for match tickets then please read the following information; Many thanks to all those that have purchased match day tickets through the fantastic Groupon offer; we’ve had a great response!!  

Please ensure that you call the Bradford Bulls Ticket Office on 08448 711490 to redeem your Groupon vouchers and we will post the tickets out to you. We are unable accept the vouchers on a match day so ensure you call at least 24 hours prior to the relevant match day. Entry to the stadium is with a valid match day ticket only.

Please also don't forget that, if you are looking to purchase a new bed then BedzRus is the place to get one from.

Even Bull Boy knows comfort when he see's it so let's support one of our sponsors by purchasing from them.

Father’s Day

This Sunday is father’s day and the coral stand is holding a Carvery lunch.

Bookings between 12pm - 5pm and prices are;

£12.95 per adult, £5.50 under 12 and Under 4's free. There will be a free gift for every Dad!

Call 08448 711 490 to book your place.

Special Mentions

First up is a special mention to an ex player. Roy Goddard was the Bradford Northern scrum half 1951 to 1956. He played in the same squad as Trevor foster, Len Haley and Jack McLean. Unfortunately Roy passed away last year and his Birthday was on June 7^th.

I would like to wish Millie Johnson a very happy 21^st birthday today with lots of love from all your family and your dad would have been very proud of you. Millie has been a fan since the age of 5 and was first taken to a match by her father on August bank holiday against Wigan but, unfortunately Wigan won that day to stop the Bulls unbeaten Run.

I would like to wish my son Riley a very happy 6^th birthday on Thursday 13^th June and myself a happy birthday on Friday 14^th June.

Last but not least, Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers out there have a great day whatever you are doing.

Thank you all for taking your time to read BULLieve I hope you have enjoyed reading, please let others know and if you would like a mention for yourself or someone else please email me on bullieve@hotmail.co.uk

Until next week, enjoy your week and don’t stop BULLieving.

BULLieve

03^rd June 2013

 

Good evening and welcome to another edition of BULLieve.

I will cut to the chase and say well what a couple of weeks it has been. On the field things have not gone to plan whilst, off the field events at the Provident Stadium have been a complete success.

 

A few weeks back the Coral stand was packed out of the Secret Garden Fashion Show. This event was a complete success with Bulls players dressing up and walking down the catwalk along with other models. There were numerous stalls too all in aid of raising awareness and funds for the Eve Appeal whilst also supporting local businesses.

For pictures and videos along with more information please visit http://www.whoiskatehardcastle.co.uk/2013/05/22/the-secret-garden-fashion-show/

 Last week saw the Magic Weekend at the famous football stadium The Etihad. It was to be anything but magic for us.  The lads went down to an inform Huddersfield Giants outfit who were clinical in both attack and defence. Final score was Bradford Bulls 6 Huddersfield Giants 42.

Despite the on field disappointment the off field was superb. Firstly over the bank holiday we had the 80’s concert “The 80’s Strikes Back” This was a hugely successful concert and many people have said they would attend concerts being held at the Provident Stadium again. A little more planning and more time for people to arrange things and buy tickets will be needed but with this being the first concert these teething problems will be sorted out.

The Sunday saw the International Mela at the Stadium and it did not disappoint. This multi-cultural event proved year on year to be successful here in Bradford and this year was no different. There were various things to be involved with, from eating different foods to a fun fair and live music, the day was entertaining throughout.

Bank holiday Monday was the family fun day raising awareness and much needed funds for War on Cancer. The main focus of the day was our very own Chairman Omar Khan and Jarrod Sammut being shaved.  Omar Khan got involved in raising money by having his moustache saved off for the first time in 30 years. Well done Omar once again involving yourself in a worthwhile cause and helping the community. After the shave Omar said “I feel naked”. Omar looks 10 years younger now.

 

In recent months we have seen Jarrod Sammut turn into quite literally a cave man.  Jarrod had agreed with the fundraiser Tracey Gould that he would have both his beard and hair shaved off for the charity War on Cancer. Jarrod is now fully shaven and looks a whole world better for it. Well done Jarrod not only do you look better for it but you have raised money for this super charity. Over £900 was raised for this great cause.

 

 

 

 

On another positive Bradford Dudley Hill under 13’s team will be training with the Bulls for the next 6 weeks on a Monday night. Yet another great idea  in keeping the community connection.

The academy side were in action yesterday as a curtain raiser for the senior squad. They took on Hull KR at Craven Park and early on it looked like they were in for a thrashing. All through the first half and into the second half the lads were trailing but, some great work load and determination ensured the lads 2 points at the final whistle. Full time score, Hull KR 30 Bradford Bulls 37. Well done lads hard fought win but 2 point never the less.

Kick off came and the 1^st team were in action. The first half was somewhat of an arm wrestle with dropped ball and concentration levels lacking. Although despite this the Bulls actually lead at half time through a Keith Lulia try and a conversion and a penalty from Sammut made the score line at half time Hull Kr 4 Bradford Bulls 8.

Then along came the second half. Lulia once again touched down for the Bulls but in the build-up play Sammut was injured and Addy failed to kick the conversion on 53 minutes. Score Hull KR 4 Bradford Bulls 12. With Sammut off the field and fatigue setting in Hull KR came back with a bang scoring 24 unanswered points until right on the hooter Michael Platt latched onto a Luke Gale kick to score under the posts. Gale added the conversion to finish the game. Final score Hull KR 28 Bradford Bulls 18 attendance 7,259.

Despite this loss we are still  8^th in the Super League table and level on 16 points with Hull KR, unless St Helens beat Huddersfield Giants then we will drop out of the top 8 into 9^th leaving us just 1 point off the play offs.

At the moment there are a few fans out there downbeat and negative. I ask you all to remain calm and back the lads, we are in transition and it is going to be a long and bumpy ride. We have no choice to take the rough with the smooth so let’s carry on showing Super League why we are the best fans in the league.

UP COMING EVENTS

We will be holding another one of our popular Comedy Nights on Friday, 7th June in the Coral Stand, starting at 8:00pm.

The fourth instalment of the Bulls Comedy Club night will be headlined by Dave Twentyman, a Rugby League fan who has played at some of the world’s top comedy clubs, acting out comical situations and engaging in humorous repartee with his audience.

The other acts on the bill are Phil Chapman, Pete Otway, Ben Briggs and Steve Haze.

The Bulls Comedy Club have joined forces with the T&A which has launched the "Crocus Appeal" and has pledged to give £1 from all online ticket sales from the night towards the £1 million fundraising campaign to pioneer new cancer treatments in Bradford.

Tickets cost £5 in advance and can be bought at www.wegottickets.com or from the Provident Stadium ticket office on 08448 711490. If the event does not sell out, tickets will be available on the door priced at £8. Doors open at 7pm for an 8pm start.

For more info follow us on twitter @BFD_BullsComedy or call Mick 07854551742.

Father’s day at The Provident Stadium

Come along to The Provident Stadium on Sunday 16th June for a Father's Day carvery.

 Bookings between 12pm - 5pm

£12.95 per adult

£5.50 under 12

Under 4's free

 There will be a free gift for every Dad!

Call 08448 711 490 to book your place.

Saturday 29^th June “Keeping One Eye on Life”

A Brilliant New Stand-Up Comedy Show.

Tony Sutcliffe, now living in Northern Ireland and brother of Bulls honorary chairman Gerry, has written and performed his new stand-up show across the UK and now brings it to his hometown of Bradford. Brilliantly observed and side-splittingly funny this is one show not to be missed.

With excellent support from fantastic local singer Luke Hoyland bringing you music from the ages and ably compared by local funny man James Murgatroyd, you are assured of a memorable evening.

Tickets are now available from our ticket office or book online via the Bulls website.

Thank you all for taking your time to give BULLieve a read and as always, please share with all Bulls fans, friends and family.

Thank you and have a great week and let’s show up in numbers at Langtree Park on Sunday and get the 2 points (hopefully)

Don’t stop BULLieving once a Bull always a Bull!

 

Blog written by

Jay Leeming.