HAVE YOU MISSED US??

TIME TO CATCH UP. 

Its well over 12 months since we brought you an issue of BULLieve, since our last edition the club has won the Yorkshire cup, and more importantly managed to get of league 1 at the first attempt, but the Bulls didn't have all their own way during the 2018 season, but we certainly had an enjoyable time visiting some very different grounds from what we have been used to over the seasons past.

Without dwelling too much though on last season, the club appears to have stability once again. Both on and off the field, albeit though and without causing any controversy think that the match day prices are a little too high compared to other championship sides. I personally would rather see more people getting through the gates every week. My opinion of course is that in my mind I would rather have 1,000 people at £15 per ticket than 300 paying £25, more people through the gates creates a better atmosphere, with children at £10 also and let under 5's in free along with any child that plays for a juniors club within Bradford. Anyway that's enough of that but its just my thinking of getting more people there on match day's to generate a good atmosphere, I appreciate we are a long way off returning to any former glories soon, but it would be nice if we could start building a fan base for the future. Overall I am also aware that even some Super League sides struggle to get big crowds on a weekly basis, and I believe that engagement with community clubs is vital for the future of rugby league as a whole.

      YOUNG BULLS ON BRIDLINGTON BEACH

On a bitterly cold February morning where else better to train than the South side of bridlington beach. The club had sent over the Under19's  and under 16's sides for a hard session led by coaches Leigh Beattie and Mark Dunning, I stood and watched in awe of these lads that never shied away from a challenge and certainly never gave up either. The beach session was to assist with fitness and conditioning along with team and character building. After watching these lads in the sub zero conditions, they certainly have a bright future ahead of them, whether in rugby or other fields they were certainly a credit to the club and most of all themselves.
                           

   
               OUR TRIBUTE TO PETER FOX

Peter was the eldest of 3 brothers from the mining village of Sharlston, near Wakefield of which all 3 of them had a huge influence in rugby league. Peter played for well over a decade with Featherstone, Hull K.R, Hunslet and 2 lengthy spells with Batley.

But it is a coach that Peter will fondly be remembered, having guided Featherstone Rovers to victory in the Challenge Cup against Bradford in 1973, and then winning the championship twice with Bradford.
He also went onto the position Great Britain and England coach and maintained a 100% record as Yorkshire Coach in the Rodstock war of the roses series from 1985-1991.

After leaving Featherstone he went onto coach Wakefield from 1974-1976 and then steered Bramley to promotion to Division 1.

Then he was to take charge of Bradford Northern, where in his first season won the premiership, Northern were first division champions 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons, during his first spell also included bringing the Yorkshire cup and John player trophy to Odsal.

In May 1985 Peter moved to arch rivals Leeds but he was sacked the following Christmas Eve after a reasonably frustrating spell, after which he returned to Rovers and secured promotion for the men in featherstone. After 5 seasons he was appointed again at Bradford where he finished a glittering coaching career in the 1994-95 season.

Peter with Bob Haigh after Northern won the Premiership Trophy in 1978 

Peter giving instructions to his northern side.

The 1979-80 season was a personal highlight for Peter, being awarded Coach of the Year, at the Truemans man of steel awards, the award was seen as clear reflection of his hard work of turning Bradford around from an average side in 1977 to one of the best sides in the league in a short 3 years, with a series of signings that blended strength and experience in every department.

A programme from my own collection from the 80/81 season.

Peter had guided the Northern side to 3rd in 1994 and 2nd position in 1994, he still had 2 years left to run on his contract at the beginning of the super league era but then chairman Chris Caisley replaced him for the 1995 season, with Brian smith as his replacement.

Peter's final involvement with Rugby league was director of football of Wakefield in the early 2000's

Peter we thank you for everything and most of all RIP.

                                     2019 season so far.

So 2019 so far looks quite promising. We're far from being where we want to be at the moment, and after being ravaged with injuries for the past few games with no recognised half back combination, the boys have really dug in deep.

Bulls started the pre season quite well by bringing home the Yorkshire cup, and we are doing reasonably well in the league too with only 4 losses, after being where we have I feel, we must remember that before we challenge for a serious push to Super league the club needs further stability, with resources to call upon, the academy side is a huge credit to the club bringing in some raw talent and passion to play for Bradford, and pull on our famous jersey.

At the time of writing this article we go onto face Featherstone Rovers in the Challenge cup on 14th April 2019. After which there is a heavy schedule coming up over the Easter period, with Halifax away and Barrow at odsal.

We can't finish without mentioning the ladies team also whom also, on there last outing beating a spirited Featherstone Rovers 38-16 at home with Amy Hardcastle and stacey Greenwood scoring hat-tricks.

You can check out the gameday guide for tommorow by following the link

Gameday Guide

Also don't forget if your children are at a loose end then the Bulls do have the Easter camp running during the holidays

So this edition is more of a catch up and to let all our readers and followers know that we are still around. We still have massive passion for the club, like all the fans we want nothing more too than a return to glory days, we truly BULLieve and will continue to do so. the club need the fans to get behind the team.


KEEP THE FAITH AND BULLieve. We will.



Views written in this blog are those of the writer and are in no way linked in any way to the Bradford bulls, all research is performed independently and is deemed to be correct at the time of publication.

The Ladies can't lose

                                          Welcome to the Bradford Bulls BULLieve Blog.

How can we not start this edition without starting with a 100% league and cup record, Challenge Cup and Super league Champions, the ladies Bradford Bulls squad. What a superb season its been for them and not only that, no less than 10 of the side have been picked for England RL squad this October.
I decided to go to the Ladies match at Heworth purely out of curiosity, there was quite a bit of hype about the game and I thought like many others why not its an afternoon out, even my boys enjoyed it maybe because we were all closer to the action, plus the bar certainly did well out of the Bulls faithful, who had certainly turned up in numbers to show there support. 

After a slow start from the Bulls they ended up to be 50-16 victors over Featherstone Rovers, recovering from a 12-4 early deficit. The score on paper makes it look it to be an easy game but in the opening exchanges it was from it at first. Bulls had to defend there own line with cause as the Rovers pressured the line and askes a few questions of the Bulls but they held out superbly and was only time before there class showed. However it was the 2nd half when the Bulls really upped the gears running in tries with ease. Tries from Amy Hardcastle (2)  Captain Kirsty Moroney (2) Savannah Andrade, Charlotte Booth, Shona Hoyle, Lois Forsell, Laura Hickey, Jess Courtman with goals from Clare Gardner (2) and Courtman (3)

The Bulls coach Geoff Toovey was also in attendance with Leigh Beattie, albeit Geoff had sampled one or two lagers by the end of the game and was slightly worse for wear but he certainly enjoyed his day off with the fans.

Here are a few images from the game in Heworth.

So they had the Challenge Cup, unbeaten going to the Grand final in Manchester this Saturday just gone, would you bet against the mighty Bulls Women? It was a repeat of the Challenge cup final and once again turned in a dominant display to complete the league and cup double.

Bradford turned in a dominant display in some tricky conditions with captain Kirsty Moroney and Lois Forsell putting them firmly in charge from early on. Georgia Roche did hit back to reduce the deficit to 6 points but the Bulls piled on the pressure and Booth scored a superb try to lead 16-6 at the interval.

After the break it was the Bulls that piled on the pressure and scored further tries through Garner, Hardcastle, Henegan and Hields, Garner was also on fine form with the boot as she kicked 4 goals for her side.

The ladies league is set to expand next season and these ladies are going to take some beating, its also worth noting that 10 of the Bulls side have been selected for the England train on squad in Australia for the RLWC 2017. Good luck to you all its nothing more than any of you deserve.

A few images from the Grand Final victory, Courtesy of the RFL and Pete Smith Photography.

                                                          2017 Season Review

Lets face it, we were doomed from the moment they announced the fact we were deducted 12 points, after all the RFL had made those the conditions to the new owners. With a squad literally torn apart during the off season and a team of young kids throw in at the deep end we didn't stand a hope of staying in the Championship. To be fair to a makeshift side that swapped and changed every week the Bulls went on a bit of a run and won 4 out of 5 games which gave everyone some hope that the unachievable was possible, but sadly all the loan deals and recalls of players to parent clubs finally caught up. The side went 9 games without a win despite Dane Chisholm re signing for his second spell, and arguably the sides best performance all season running table toppers Hull KR to a point at the summer bash was a spectacle. Not to forget the fans superb support once again who have been magnificent all season, especially Luke Elvidge and his "chav corner" raising the bar and really showing there undying support, even a fund was set up to raise money to get banners etc  that's support. 

Sadly our star player Dane was injured in the bash game which had given us much hope but it wasn't to be and the Bulls carried on the losing streak. It wasn't just losing Dane though, our new heroes in Ethan Ryan and Ross Oakes missed chunks of the campaign, by the end of 2017 42 different players had donned the famous red amber and black. But it would  have been easy just to give up for all concerned at one point the Bulls leaked 168 in 3 games, the numbers were so thin on the ground that players from the academy were being thrown in to make up the numbers. These were testing times but when hopefuls such as Liam kirk were just hoping to start a game in 2017 and end up playing in every one he's almost a veteran come next year. This is what will be important as we look to keep it short and sweet in 2018 and move back to the championship and hopefully stabilise and re build a proper base before even thinking of super league.

James Bentley another youngster off the Bulls production line is now destined for St Helens after some terrific performances, and was voted the Championship young player of the year. I'm not going to dwell too much on performances on what was good and bad, the season was very indifferent, there is still the coaching role yet to be confirmed, which cannot be left too late in my opinion as there is no need for any further distractions as we move towards 2018 and the unknown league 1. Its not going to be easy in the bottom tier but one thing for sure with all the current signings its realy been a shot in the arm for all the supporters, relegation seems a distant memory and now the fightback is on.

                                                  Anyone fancy going for a walk?

We ( Ben Moorhouse and Gaynor Thompson) have now returned from Rhodes and we would like to share with you the news that our successful Extreme Challenge walk where we walked the full east coast of Rhodes in one day - a total of 70 miles or 113km in extreme heat and humidity has been officially recorded in the history books by the Greek government and South Aegean Region as the first people to do this. The highest temperature recorded on the day was 45c.


A press conference was held by the main National TV channel last week. Please see the full press conference video on the link


PRESS CONFERENCE!

Click here to watch the press conference   But more importantly we have continued Steve Prescott's memory and legacy in style and also so far raising nearly £2500 for this years Extreme Challenge Walk for The Steve Prescott Foundation. Over the 3 years the total amount raised is £7000.


Please see our story on the Steve Prescott Foundation website.

Steve Prescott-mandraki-extreme-challenge-walk-2017


This year took us both to new limits - but yet again we have conquered what most people said is impossible.

Bradford Bulls supporters Steven, Lindsay and Rhys Tiffany were our support team for the Extreme challenge walk.

Bradford Bulls Supporters Group and Kingstone Press are two of our Official sponsors in 2017. We would like to thank Dave and Ady for your support and look forward to working with them going forward.


We are already in discussions between us both and with the Greek government for next year. We have bigger aspirations !

Money sponsored via The Steve Prescott Foundation supports Try Assist ( Rugby League benevolent fund ) and The Christie in Manchester ( cancer reasearch)

People can follow us on

Www.facebook.com/Rhodeschallengewalk

People can sponsor us on

Www.justgiving.com/Rhodes2017


Amazing really and I though running a marathon was hard work, we wish Ben and Gaynor all the very best.




                             Sponsorship and our own fundraising for 2018.

As we move into 2018 and the new season we are looking for individuals, or business to be involved with us and sponsorship but we intend to concentrate on the women's team and academy,
All ideas are welcome and we would be more than willing to join in with other groups, we are not I the business of your group our group etc, at the end of the day we are all fans wanting the best for our beloved team. Anyone interested then please contact me Tom Fynn via our Facebook group BULLieve and I will get back to you.


That's all for this edition folks I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did writing.



Goodbye for now and most of all BULLieve!!!!










Article is in no way linked the Bradford Bulls, all views opinion are my own, as are some images other images permission has been sought before using.



Writer Tom Fynn. 2017

Challenge cup special 21 years on.

   It's hard to believe that it was the first Challenge Cup final of the super league era, and yes it really was 21 years ago, (feeling old yet).

Commentators described the match as the greatest, well before the ball had even been touched.

The game had just about everything it was a 13 try thriller which had never been seen at Wembley before, the scoring began round about the 4th minute when a high kick from Goulding saw Scott Gibbs break free from Loughlin and direct a high pass to Steve Prescott who raced over for a Try.
About 15 minutes later it was Prescott that hacked on a clever grubber kick by Goulding and dropped over the line for a try.
It was then the turn of the Bulls to post some points of there own, a clever piece of play from Robbie Paul, Dwyer, and Loughlin put Jonathon Scales over for a fine try in the corner of which Paul Cook converted with a superb towering kick. On the half hour mark it was Cook again that tied the scores at 8-8 from a penalty.
A few moments later though it was the saints to score again in the shape of Danny Arnold who wrong footed the Bulls defence with a superb side step and a Newlove tackle bust to score a try and put saints back into the driving seat.
With around seven minutes before the break a strong run from Nathan Graham and Matt Calland set up a try directly under the sticks for Robbie Paul, Cook converted and the Bulls hit the front for the first time in the game. Half time 14-12.

Soon into the second half the Bulls were in full control soaring into a 26-12 lead with tries from Bernard  Dwyer and Robbie Paul, both converted by Cook. Sadly though the dominance was not to last and Bobby Goulding began a chain of events that turned the game on its head in a deadly seven minute spell. The saints scrum half hoisted a high kick towards the Bulls line which Nathan Graham the Bulls full back, let the ball bounce and ended up straight in the arms of Kieran Cunningham of which Goulding converted. Three minutes later Goulding tried his luck again with another perfect kick at the Bradford defence, Graham failed to deal with and Simon Booth went over with the kick successful again from Goulding. 26-24

In about the 60th minute it was Graham again under the pressure of another bomb from the boot of Goulding with saints crossing through Ian Pickavance again it was concerted by the afore mentioned Mr Goulding. Saints led by 4 (26-30)

The saints now we're now in confident mood and extended there lead again through Danny Arnold scoring his second try of the match this time there wasn't a conversion but Saints led by 8 (26-34)
The Bulls refused to lay down though and Robbie Paul mesmerised the Saints defence to register his hat trick, he had surged through a gap on the half way then duped Prescott with a subtle change of  pace to score the first ever hat trick at Wembley, Paul Cook kicked the resulting conversion to bring the Bradford side back to within just 2 points. 32-34.

Sadly that was it though for a valiant effort as this was the Bulls first appearance at a Wembley final since 1973 when a then Bradford Northern side lost out to Featherstone Rovers 33-14, the fairy tale was ended in the 75th minute when Apollo Perelini crashed over for the 13th Try of the game after a defence splitting run from Goulding whom also converted the Try to score the last points of the game.
Final Score 32-40

Brian Smith after the game refused to let Nathan Graham shoulder the blame " All those who would like to be at the back to catch those balls, with people coming through with baseball bats and hand grenades, should form a queue outside my office on Monday morning" he said.

The teams on the day were as follows.

Bradford Bulls.                     St Helens.

Graham                                  Prescott
Cook                                      Arnold
Calland.                                 Gibbs
Loughlin.                               Newlove
Scales.                                   Sullivan
Bradley.                                 Hammond
Paul.                                      Goulding
McDermott.                           Perelini
Dwyer.                                   Cunningham
Hamer.                                   Leatham
Donoougher                          Joynt
Nickle.                                  Booth
Knox.                                    Northley

Subs and whom they replaced.

Fairbank for Hamer.             Martyn for Northey
Medley for Nickle.                Pickavance for Martyn
Donohoe for Knox.               Matautia for Leatham
Hassan for Graham.              Hunte for Perelini


Lance Todd trophy winner Robbie Paul

Referee Stuart Cummings. Attendance 75,994.  Half Time 14-12

The programme from the final.
     

It's been a long time since we have had something to really shout about and it's hard to believe that this game along with the whole of the rebuilding of 1996 was the beginning of the whole of the Bradford dominance along with St Helens who tussled the Grand finals and battled so hard in the early days of Super League. Sadly through the Bulls miss management we languish at the bottom of the championship on -2 points and travel to Toulouse this weekend hoping to begin the zero party.

Safe travels to everyone heading over there and we sincerely hope that the Bulls give you all plenty to cheer.

Remember to BULLIEVE.









Article written and researched (and from what I remember) by Thomas Fynn.

The views of this article do not reflect those of the Bradford Bulls nor any organisation.

Its only just begun!

It wouldn't be fair to say that's our toughest game out of the way, every game we go into this season is going to be tough especially with the amount of upheaval that's gone on previously, and not forgetting the small issue of -12 points.  But if the passion and commitment that was on show on Sunday can carry on during 2017, not only will the Bulls survive the Championship, but the future is immensely bright. A comment was overheard at the Lightstream stadium as the side came over to applaud the fans, "just look there only boys!!" never have truer words been spoken, but these boys are quickly turning into men.

The weakness of the Bulls side was evident as Rovers made easy yards up the middle, and scoring tries relatively freely but lets not be downhearted, Bradford had there fair say in the game and it could have easily been 18-18 at half time instead of the 30-12 as Macani had a try disallowed just moments before two quick fire KR tries from former Bull James Donaldson and Thomas Minns, effectively it was game over from here on in for the Bulls. Jordan Lilley on loan from Neighbours Leeds Rhinos was instrumental in guiding the team around the park, and some sublime kicking during the afternoon.
The second half could have been damage limitation so to speak, pre game analysis had the Bulls down for at least a 60+ battering with no hopes of scoring a single point. Rovers did almost reach the predicted 60 point margin but the young Bulls had ideas of there own and even finished the afternoon off with an interception from Lilley allowing Macani to round off the scoring. Initially on a month loan from the Rhinos it would certainly be a coup for the club if they could hold onto Lilley for at least 2 more months as he really showed his qualities during the 80 minutes, the defeat was not ideal and its certainly an uphill task but once the side is bolstered in the coming weeks, then the future is bright and mid table Championship seems a possibility for this season.

****News has been announced today that Bulls have signed young Samoan sevens star Phoenix Hunapo-Nofoa, he can play at full back or in the halves where he is renowned for his pace and agility, there was a great deal of interest from NRL clubs so this is a huge coup for the club. He has signed on a one year contract with the option to extend for two more.

                            
                                                     Odsal 1980.

                                                 

With all the wrangling and talk about Odsal during the recent Administration process, and recent news that in 2 years time there is a clause which dictates that the venue can begin to be used for other purposes, its not the first time that eviction has loomed over the club.
On august 12th 1980 plans were unveiled by Bradford council to sell off the Odsal stadium site to the West Yorkshire county council, so it could be converted back into a rubbish dump, the plans were to fill in the bowl, then it was to be used a multi sports complex including running tracks etc. It would have taken quite some time as £5 million was required for the project, at this time it would have meant a new home and several grounds were sourced to be of suitability, Lidget Green was one which was the former ground of the Bradford Rugby Union club, or a move back to a renovated Park avenue.
The club were not totally against the idea such that as long as a suitable site was found.
To move back to Park avenue the sum of around £500.000-£750.000 would have been required to put it up to standards, the ground had been pretty much left to rot and left to vandals since Bradford P.A had moved across the city to share at Valley Parade.
A study was set up by Bradford Council to take a look at the cost of turning Park avenue into a sporting location again but what was found was not encouraging. The main stand, along with the buildings that housed the changing rooms were in a serious state of decay. The news was announced just a few weeks before the 100th anniversary of Bradford's first ever game there on September 25th 1880. A few weeks later the demolition men moved in, to begin levelling the ground. This automatically put an end to a move from Odsal, but talks did continue for some time into turning the ground back into a rubbish dump should another home be found for the club.


                                                       Children's Fan Club Proposal.

I recently came up with an idea of children's fan club, the age would be from birth up to and including the child's 13th Birthday. But after 13 there membership would cease, now I must stress that at this moment all these are just proposals and ideas, I have e mailed the club an still await a response.
But here are some ideas that being a member a child would benefit.

1. Quarterly newsletter.
2. Membership card.
3. Birthday card signed by the current squad along with a Christmas card.
4. Colouring books.
5. Day at Odsal with the players and Bullman.
6. Every game entry at £1.  (home games only) and accompanied by an adult.
7. Exclusive members T-shirt.
8. Design a kit Competitions.
9. Small discount on merchandise and maybe on soft drinks at certain outlets in the ground.
10. Cheerleading events for the girls but boys too if they want a go.
11. Opportunity to win a day training with the bulls squad.
12. Car stickers.

These are only a very few suggestions at present and nothing has been set in motion as much as I would like it to be. I have gauged interest with a superb response from parents.
The fee for being in the club would be around £15 for the annual membership, my theory is that is brings in a steady income to the club but most of all it is creating the next fan for the club and building a sound fan base for the future, we had the tag The peoples team, we must go back to those ethics again and put the families at the forefront of the club once again. Whilst many do take part with BullBuilder in there own systems I would like to create a club that is inclusive for all abilities, and any children who are not as able as others to be involved with the Bulls.
I'm really hoping that once all systems are in place at Odsal that I can take the idea forward with the club. And this can be a reality


                                                     Events at Odsal .

I don't think any of us need to be reminded that the Bulls take on Rochdale this Sunday, especially as it is at Home and a chance to really create some noise and atmosphere for the boys.
Don't forget Adult prices start at just £15 for the Terrace and Youth prices from just £5.

On Saturday there is the 2017 season launch and the chance to see the 2017 kit launch in person, which after all that has been going on is certainly eagerly awaited. There will be a chance to meet the players, get autographs, meet Bullman and Bullboy. The shop will also be open to purchase merchandise as well as season tickets.


In the coming few weeks we do have some exciting interviews, and not directly linked to former players either, so keep your eyes open for future editions.

That's all for this edition of the blog, I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading. All views are my own and all research is undertaken by myself and to be as accurate as possible. Please note that the views in the blog are not necessarily the views of Bradford Bulls RLFC.





Written and researched by Thomas Fynn. Join our Facebook group Bradford Bulls BULLieve, or go and give us a follow on Twitter @BullsBULLieve.

Keep the Faith and #BULLieve.

The Bulls Rise Again!!!!

                                                     The Bradford Bulls Rise again.

They say a week is a long time in football, well the same can be certainly be said for Rugby league. Administration to liquidation left everyone thinking what will happen now. Just over a week ago the club we all love didn't even exist, the thought of even seeing a team walk out again to play a competitive game seemed a long way off, day by day we lost another player the squad slowly being ripped to shreds, the remaining players in all the adversity hung around in hope, they trained each day unpaid at the Implexus gym in Bradford, Leon Pryce, Rohan Smith and Chev walker keeping the spirits of the lads up as best as possible. It would have been easy for every one of the remaining players to walk away and get another club, especially with little clarity and information forthcoming. 

Omari Caro often sounding his frustrations on twitter along with the club captain Leon Pryce stating "its the not knowing which is the worst bit" 

The fans echoed Leon's words it really was the not knowing, I must admit I don't think I have ever refreshed Twitter as much as I did in the past few weeks. When news did come it wasn't what we wanted to hear, first there were 10 bidders wanting the club then 4 then 2 and so the whole saga dragged on, everyone remaining apprehensive of a positive outcome. Many felt that 2017 should be just written off, we hardly had a squad and if we were taken over we would be at least dropped into League 1 for the 2017 season starting a complete fresh. 

With the friendly at Batley being called off with the news of not able to field a team, some really feared the worst, there wouldn't be a Bradford team in the Championship to cheer in 2017.

Then in the middle of last week the news that we all had been waiting for finally broke, that the club had been saved, by Andrew Chalmers and Graham Lowe, but the player exodus and the rollercoaster didn't end there with Dane Chisholm and Lachlan Burr confirming that they would not be re joining the squad in the new season, but most of all which came as the biggest shock to many was that the man who had kept a level head, and acted impeccably during the 8 week turmoil was that Rohan Smith would not be retained as Head Coach. Through all the adversity Rohan remained the ultimate professional and had been such a positive figure. Sadly the new set up didn't see Rohan in there plans and with Smith quoting "New owners and I not compatible" left a sour taste in the mouths of the fans, they certainly were not winning any plaudits just yet. Rohan will return to Australia at the end of the month and we all Thank him for his efforts and contribution to the club in the short time at the helm. 

With this the rumour mill went into overdrive, former fan favourite Henry Paul was linked the vacant seat almost immediately of Rohan walking out of the door. All turning out to be just that a rumour, along with other names, but the new owners felt they need an established coach and have brought in Geoff Toovey, Geoff came over to England with Manly Sea Eagles in 2012 for the WCC. Geoff is a very experienced coach and former hooker having played in well over 270 matches in Australia and also represented his country 13 times. Toovey is also a chartered accountant.  

With the RFL confirming that the club would stay in the Championship for 2017 on -12 points the future looked a bit brighter, the RFL defended the decision to keep a reformed club in the 2nd tier.

So we had hope once more and news emerged from Odsal that Luke Robinsons testimonial would be given the green light. In what shape of a team with so many departing no one knew but at least we had the chance to cheer on the club once more.


                     Huddersfield Giants Vs Bradford Bulls Luke Robinsons Testimonial 22/1/17

3pm on Sunday afternoon the 22nd January will go down in the clubs history, that a newly formed Bradford side emerged from the dressing rooms to take part in the planned game against Huddersfield Giants, Luke Robinson had long hoped that Bradford would be able to field a side ever since it was announced that the club had entered administration.
Any fan could be forgiven after seeing the team sheet that keeping the Giants under 50 points would be an achievement, however there was no fear of the new look squad capitulating under the pressure. Club captain Leon Pryce played no part in the game citing a knee injury, but out of the starting 13 there were still 8 players with first team experience.
The Bulls bench was made up of juniors with 5 of the 7 having no first team experience at all. James Mendieka was honoured with the captaincy for the afternoon.
It didn't seem quite right though seeing Alex Mellor and Adam Obrien on the opposing team.

Luke Robinson had hoped to play a part in the afternoons proceedings but was denied at the last minute by insurance complications.
Speaking with Luke during the game, he stated "Rugby league needs a Bradford side its an important part of the game to have a Bradford side in the competition, it would be a poorer place without the club"

It was the new Bulls with a promising start but it was the Giants that struck first through Ikahihifo with Brough converting. Soon after the Bulls had a setback of there own losing Omari Caro who limped off and didn't return during the afternoon.
Liam Kirk could have responded almost immediately but lost the ball as he went over the line. The Bulls were under pressure for long periods of the first half but managed to keep the Giants at bay with some fantastic defending and playing with real grit and determination.
Tempers flared when Roberts committed an off the ball foul, with both sets of players joining together in the field.
Shortly after tempers were high again as Danny Brough grabbed the throat of Bulls Substitute Evan Hodgson, the new Bulls certainly didn't lack spirit and were not taking any backwards steps. Just before halftime Johnny Campbell left the field to injury.

Some slack defending let the Giants in again under the posts, with Ikahihifo going under the posts for his 2nd try of the afternoon and Brough converting, then as the half time hooter sounded they were in again, through Simpson Brough missed the conversion.

16-0 at half time wasn't that bad, as the second half began Scrum Half Joe Keyes dummied his way over the line and converted his own try. It was only a friendly but the cheers from the Bulls faithful lifted the roof on the John Smiths stadium, this is what we had come for, after 8 long weeks of not knowing and speculation we had witnessed our first Try of 2017. On the hour the Bulls fell further behind when failing to deal with a Giants Bomb on the left, Brierly kicked in the absence of Brough to make it 22-6. But the Bulls didn't give up, it would have been easy for the lads heads to drop but instead showed spirit, guts, determination with everyone looking out for each other, Ross Oakes went over in the corner with ten to go, and setting up an exciting climax to the afternoon. Keyes missed the conversion.
With minutes on the clock Roberts went over for his sides 5th try of the afternoon to put the game to bed and Izaac Farrel adding the extras.
Prop Ross Peltier was chosen for the Bulls'  man of the match award.

Without surely much preparation for the game, and through all the adversity you really had to hand it, to everyone of the lads that walked on the field. If the effort is put in like that every week and some new faces brought in, the -12 will be nothing but a distant memory.
Omari Caro had his boot removed after the game, we had the pleasure of sharing the lift with him and his ankle was strapped. He certainly didn't feel as though it was anything serious and was waiting to see the Doctor (yesterday).
I would personally like to thank Dave Hicks from Bradford Bulls Supporters group for inviting myself and family to the game, we had a superb afternoon and was a pleasure meeting you all again, and putting some faces to familiar names, especially fellow running buddy Lynn Hill. Nice to meet you at last see you in York on the 10 miler!!

Some pictures from the game.

The afternoons team sheet.

Keeping the Giants at bay.

Keeping the pressure on.

Strong tackling from the young Bulls.

Moving forward.

A guard of honour for Luke Robinson.

Battling Bulls.

Players combine for the Testimonial.

A drive from the Bulls into Giants territory.

No backward steps taken.

Keeping up the pressure on the line.

So near yet so far!

Pass from dummy half

Bulls driving forward.

Celebrating the TRY!

Its Through the posts!!

Our fundraising shirt.

                                                     

In conjunction with Bradford Bulls Supporters Group, BULLieve has joined forces in creating a retro shirt to raise funds for the players, now this was decided before we had new owners, so with what ever profit we make from the shirts the players will decide where the monies will go.

The shirts are made by Steeden, all sizes are very familiar to your current Bulls shirts, they are priced at £40 with £21 going to the players, (read last paragraph). *** There is a £3:00 charge for P&P*** so don't forget to add it onto your order we will contact you for addresses once we have the shirts.

You can place your orders through us or Bradford Bulls Supporters group, to pay for the shirt the details are as follows. 

Please let myself  Thomas Fynn from BULLieve, or Adrian Gill from BFD Bulls supporters know what size you would like, payment details are.

Please Transfer too

Halifax account details: Sort code 110150 Account Number 10024363. PayPal too bfdbsg@gmail.com PLEASE STATE 'FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY' 

All payments are in advance and the shirts will be available in about 4/5 weeks after placing the order. The cut off is this Friday 27th January. We thank you in advance and on behalf of Dave and Adrian of the supporters group.


                                   Its BULLieve Quiz time.


I did try to do a quiz over Christmas, but I honestly don't think many of you were that interested with everything else that was going on at that time.
So here it is again and I will post the answers on our Facebook group page, and in our next blog of which I very much hope to have spoken with Rohan Smith and another former Bull by then. Enjoy and good luck, NO Google please have a chat with your friends and look out for the answers. Thank you.

1. Which team did Sir Trevor Foster score his first "Hat Trick" against

2. Which season did Bradford Northern first ever appear on live TV. Bonus for team and score.

3. Henry Paul, Tommy Harris, Brian Lockwood, and Andy Gregory have all won what.

4. What was the final Score in the play off eliminator against Saints in 2003

5. Who was the leading Try scorer in the Inaugural Super league season.

6. Which season did Brett Ferres Debut for Bulls.

7. Name 6 Northern players that toured Australia and NZ in 1946 in the lions tour after WW2

8. How much were Northern fined after the walk off at Hull KR in 1982. there were other implications too name if you can.

9. Vanikolo scored 6 tries against Hull, name the first Bradford player to score 6

10. Name the Northern player to break Billy Boston's 50 tries in one season.

11. Tying in with the above, which other Northern player had scored 50 or more tries previous to the record.

12. How many seasons did Nathan Graham spend with the club.

13. Sir Trevor Foster appeared 432 times for Bradford, How many goals did he score.

14. Bradford lost to Leigh in 1987 in unusual circumstances, Why.

15. Which club did Daniel Gartner sign from.

16. How old was Keith Mumby on his Debut.

17. When Huddersfield Giants joined SL which team did they replace and in the same season which team replaced relegated Oldham bears,

18. Who was the man of steel in the inaugural SL season.

19. Who was the guest of honour introduced to the Bulls Squad with Sir Trevor Foster at the 2003 grand final.

20. Which year did Paul Newlove transfer to St Helens, also name the 2 players Bradford received as part of the deal.


That's the end of this edition of our blog, really do hope you have enjoyed reading as I do writing it.

There are no illusions that this season is going to be easy, its going to be a tough hard year for everyone involved, but if we turn up shout loud and proud then we have made ourselves heard and support the lads on the pitch, for this edition I leave you with this, #Keepthefaith #BULLieve#redamberandblack#Allforthebulls.




This edition was written and researched by Thomas Fynn, All images from the Hudds/Bulls game are owned by Thomas Fynn please ask for permission if you wish to share, copy or use on any other site.

We thank you for your continued support.