Monday, 22 April 2013

Bulls take the sting out of the Hornets


BULLieve

22nd April 2013

 

Hi everyone and welcome to another weekly edition of the Bradford Bulls article, BULLieve.

This week has been a great week for us with wins for the 1st team and under 19’s but, unfortunately the under 16’s squad lost.

During the week it was revealed that Jessie J was lined up to play a concert at the Provident Stadium. Unfortunately this is now not an option as she has a clause in her contract and is to be at V festival instead. Ticket sales for the 80’s concert on May 25th are selling really well and the Bulls are expecting to sell 12-15,000.

 Now confirmed, is the annual Bradford International Mela. The annual event is now going to be held this year at the Provident Stadium on Sunday 26th May 2013.

Why not come along and see what the Mela is all about? Here are a few things that will be happening on the day,

The whole pitch and surrounding area will have stands with a massive stage on the pitch with live entertainment throughout the day and evening along with a live fashion show.  Food stalls and many various other stalls will be set out with a big Fun Fair. Admission is free.

Our newest member of the board of directors Jay Willey sat down and was interviewed by Ross Heppinstall of the Bradford Telegraph and Argus. This was a personal insight into the woman who hides pain “behind the smile”.  41 year old Jay from Holmewood, is the owner of KROMA makeup eu and is a very successful business woman whilst attending the club every day to attend meetings and put new proposals to the other directors. To read this superb story please go to http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10360680.Smile_that_masks_a_painful_past__The_tragedy_behind_Willey_s_rags_to_riches_story/?ref=rss&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter 

Jay is a very friendly lady and always makes time to say hi whether it be through social media or in person so, don’t be afraid to say hi. I would like to say, Jay thank you so much for taking your time and money to invest in our club here is to the rebuilding and getting back to where we belong.

The under 19’s played the Castleford Tigers this week and was looking to put last week’s defeat behind them.

This game was a close contest right up to the last whistle.

Despite early pressure from the Bulls, it was the Tigers who took the lead after six minutes with a walk in try to winger Billy Nodder after the Bulls defence had been stretched following an unforced error and a penalty.   A good break by Alex Mellor was rewarded with a try out wide to Kyle Moore but the Tigers hit back again following Bulls errors and this time Brad England forced his way over.  Danny Gregory and Todd Binns then had tries for the Bulls who, with a conversion by Adam Brook, went in 14-12 up at the break.

 

The second half was played in torrential rain and after England’s second try had given the Tigers the lead again, Prop Steve Copeland showed great strength and determination to force his way over and Brook’s conversion gave the Bulls a slender two point lead at 20-18.  That's how it stayed for the final thirteen minutes as Castleford hammed the Bulls line to no avail and after the home side were awarded a penalty, Nathan Conroy’s break was supported by Alex Mellor who scored under the posts to seal victory with the last play of the game.

Final score at the Provident Stadium, Bradford Bulls under 19’s - 26 Castleford Tigers under 19’s – 18.

Saturday was the turn of the under 16’s squad to try get a win this week. The lads were playing the Wigan Warriors. Despite the effort and determination the scholarship side showed, it wasn’t to be. Final score, Bradford 10 Wigan 48.

Sunday came round like a bolt of lightning; the 1st team was eagerly awaiting the first game of the Tetley’s challenge cup campaign. The Bulls were drawn away to Rochdale Hornets in the draw for the Tetley’s challenge cup 4th round.

Spotland was sun drenched and our fans turned up in numbers, 977 in the willbutts stand alone.

Francis Cummins had handed debuts to young winger Sam Wood and on loan forward Ben Evans.

The Bulls had fielded a strong side against the Hornets and ran out victors after a 12 try haul, 3 of which being scored by Elliot Whitehead.

Tries from Samuel Wood, Jamie Langley, Luke Gale, Chev Walker and Jarrod Sammut all of which converted ensured the bulls had a very commanding lead at half time, half time score, Hornets 6 Bulls 30.

On his debut, Sam Wood opened the Bulls account with a try on three minutes after Sammut’s kick was fumbled and Purtell got a pass away for Sam to score. The Bulls longest serving player, Jamie Langley got on the scoreboard from close range from an inside pass from Gale. Gale turned his hard work into points and then back to provider to send Chev Walker in for his try.

Rochdale did manage a score through Dave Sutton after Crooks kicked through. Jarrod Sammut was then on hand to score before half time to make the score one sided.

The second half was no different. First to score was Luke Gale for his second from close range followed by, John Bateman from a Jarrod Sammut pass.

Whitehead scored twice from the work of centre Purtell and hooker Heath L'Estrange respectively, while the Hornets gave their support something to cheer when Cookson went in after Chris Hough was held up. The Bulls then scored the last 3 tries. Sammut raced 60 metres for his second of the game whilst, Whitehead completed his hat trick and then Platt getting his name on the score sheet.

Final score at Spotland, Rochdale Hornets 10 Bradford Bulls 70, attendance, 1722.

After the match Francis had this to say,

"Rochdale showed a lot of spirit, and we weren't far away. Last week we lost our way a little bit but we were better this week. Our skill let us down for a few tries, but I was happy to see Ben Evans and Sam Wood out there, and both made their debuts and did well.”

A massive well done to both Sam and Ben, very talented youngsters will huge playing careers ahead of them. Congratulations Sam on your try, no naked run for you.

It was revealed that possible injuries sustained were Jamie Langley – Hamstring and Jamie Foster – Shoulder. We will know further about these injuries within the next few days.

The Bulls hard work in the Tetley’s challenge cup has been rewarded with a place in the next round. The Bradford Bulls will face London Bronco’s in round 5 of the Tetley’s challenge cup.

 

Up Next we take on the Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday at 3pm.

Tickets are on sale for this weekend’s away clash with Warrington Wolves. Details are as follows,

For the West Stand; Adults are £19.00 with Concessions at £13.00 (with valid I.D.)

 All Junior Season Ticket Holders MUST swap their Voucher for a Ticket before Game day. Seating Tickets are £27.50, with Concessions at £18.50. Under 5’s are free but will need a ticket. Family Tickets are available and cost £60.00 but these must be booked through the Warrington Ticket Office on 08448 111176.

 There is limited Disabled Parking and Warrington Wolves must be contacted on 08448 111176 at least 48 hours before the game.

 Coach travel is available priced £14.00 and the coach will depart the Provident Stadium at 12:30. Call in at the Ticket Office to book your seat.

3rd of May at the Provident Stadium see’s our home derby against the Leeds Rhino’s. The club is looking to break the super league attendance record. Can we fill the Provident Stadium with over 25,000 fans? Please spread the word to everyone and maybe bring along a friend who has not already been converted into a Bradford Bulls fan.

Events taking place this week.

As we are all aware, the Bulls do some fantastic charity work and, this week is no different. Heath L’Estrange, Adrian Purtell, Nick Scruton, Elliott Whitehead and Brett Kearney are taking on a 5k swimming challenge for the Marie Curie Bradford Hospice.

Please come and join us at 6pm at the Bradford University Pool to support and cheer on the players! There will be a raffle of a signed Bulls shirt and rugby ball, as well as a chance to have a picture with the sports stars.

Bradford Bulls Foundation in partnership with Bradford Bulls and Rugby League Cares are hosting a Race Night on Wednesday 24th April at 7:30 in the Coral Stand at the Provident Stadium. Players from both the Bulls and England Rugby League will be in attendance and the cost, which includes a Pie and Pea Supper, is just £3.50.

 There will be lots of opportunities to win Bulls and England RL memorabilia.

 Tickets are available from the Bulls Ticket Office.

Thursday see’s Marshall Waddington & son Fun Fair come to the Provident Stadium.

The fun fair will be held in the stadium car park with prices at just £1.50 per ride.

The fair runs from April 25th – 28th, opening times are 6pm – 9.30pm Thursday and Friday. Saturday is 1pm – 8.30pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm. You can meet the players and Mascots on Saturday afternoon, Sunday is free face painting and meet Mickey Mouse.

New V.I.P packages are now available for the 80’s concert. Here are the details,

The Bulls have VIP Platinum Packages available for the 80's Strikes Back concert at the Provident Stadium on May 25th.

This is ideal for those who want the Full VIP Treatment. The Package includes a Three Course Meal, VIP Coral Stand Ticket, VIP Front of Stage, Golden Circle Pass and Car Parking.

To book contact the Bulls Ticket Office.

 

A couple of birthdays to mention this week, the first birthday mention, my good friend Richard Muff. Richard’s birthday is tomorrow, Happy Birthday mate have a brilliant day. Second birthday this week is a very special person who is part of my family, Kirsty Dew. Kirsty’s birthday is on Saturday 27th April. Happy Birthday Kirsty, have a brilliant day.

Thank you to every single reader and for all the support shown for YOUR weekly BULLieve. With your continued support and weekly reading BULLieve will be here each and every week.

Special mentions go out to Omar Khan, Vipin Joshi, Simon Kenny and all who Retweet each week.

 

Until next week, I hope you have a great week and look forward to travelling in numbers to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday.

Don’t stop BULLieving, COYB

2013 Year of the Bulls

 

Article written by Jay Leeming.