Not a happy Easter for the Bulls.
Welcome to this weeks edition of BULLieve. By Thomas Fynn. 23/4/14
I think every bulls supporter knew that this Easter period was going to be tough, probably tougher than any other one we have ever known before, going into Thursdays game the bulls were privileged to introduce a true former legend of the bulls no other than Lesley vainikolo. At this moment how we would love to have someone similar with the power and pace that "the volcano" brought. He was introduced to the crowd before the game to probably the biggest cheer of the night, it certainly brought a reminder of what the bulls once were. With positive developments happening behind the scenes at odsal with a new club shop and ticket office now completed momentum is building but it's the on the field issues that will determine the fate of the bulls and after another performance below par against Leeds and a host of fresh injuries to an already depleted squad it's worrying times for the bulls and we are now in a territory we have never experienced as bradford supporters.
Bradford Bulls 6 Leeds Rhinos 46 Thursday 17th april 2014
Bradford got off to a disastrous start and were blown away by the sheer power strength and quality of the Leeds attack, it took the rhinos no time to post there first points in only the 3rd minute with some neat handling saw hardaker held up over the the line, but moments later McGuire stabbed the ball forward on the last tackle to see sinfield take the ball greatfully and score with ease and easily adding the extras. It didn't take much longer for the rhinos to go in again with moon in the left corner on the 9th minute. 3 minutes later it got worse for the bulls as McGuire danced through the bulls lackluster defence to score all too easily. Leeds were relentless in attack and claimed there 4th try on the 15th minute when it was once again great handling that sent in hall in the left corner. Leeds in complete control and cruising with only 15 minutes played 20-0. At this point bradford had not completed a set as Leeds dominated possession and territory coach Francis cummins rung the changes and eventually established a foot hold in a game that was quickly running away, the bulls finally breached the rhinos defence with a superb individual effort from lee Gaskell showing great pace to run 80 metres and outstrip the rhinos defence, gale adding the extras, suddenly the bulls found some momentum with Luke gale away on a fine break driving at the heart of the rhinos defence but a long pass from Gaskell went astray and put paid to a promising move sadly that was about as good as it got for the bulls.
With matty Blythe departing from the action at half time it prompted another re shuffle within the bulls camp the game began to get scrappy at times but it was Leeds with the attack and further scores from hall x2 sutcliffe Watkins and burrow put Leeds in firm control and worthy victors over a bulls outfit lacking in confidence and direction. Bulls injuries are Blythe (knee) Donaldson (ankle) Sidlow (back) Gaskell (ankle) Leeds also lost there highly rated youngster Stevie ward to injury best wishes to all and a speedy recovery.
Into other news now before moving onto the Easter Monday game at the DW stadium. Bulls owner Marc green has confirmed that he wants to buy back the lease for odsal from the RFL. There is also the news of a price comparison website called bullpower and is solely for bulls fans we can log onto this bullsenergy.com the club will be rewarded too and supporters get discount in the shop too or a voucher. FORWARD Danny Bridge has been recalled by parent club Warrington Wolves and returns to The Halliwell Jones Stadium with immediate effect.
The 21-year-old Ireland international has spent the past two months with Bradford Bulls, making eight appearances in First Utility Super League.
He today departs The Provident Stadium and has come in for considerable praise from Bulls head coach Francis Cummins.
“Danny has been very good for us and has served us well over the past eight weeks or so,” said Cummins.
“I would like to thank Warrington for allowing Danny to come here and do a job for us, while, at times, playing out of position.
“Obviously, losing him is a blow for us – but loan signings are never truly guaranteed.
“I believe Danny will have benefitted from the experience and game-time received here.
“On behalf of the Bulls, we wish him well for the future.”
Cummins' side return to action on Sunday, with Catalan Dragons visiting The Provident Stadium in round five of the Tetley's Challenge Cup (kick-off 3.00pm).
Tickets for the clash are priced at £15 (adults), £10 (concessions), £10 (students) and £5 (juniors) – but will rise by £5 on the day of the game.
BRADFORD BULLS welcome Warrington Wolves to The Provident Stadium a week on Sunday after the Catalans cc5th round and are providing BELONG 2014 season-ticket holders with an exclusive opportunity to enjoy all of the action – in style – at a discounted price.
For just £24.95, season-tickets holders can take in the First Utility Super League round-eleven contest from the comfort of Bradford Bulls' Legends Suite's balcony as part as one of our fantastic hospitality packages.
The Conference & Banqueting Stand will not only provide the perfect setting for an afternoon of entertainment, hosted by CEO Robbie Hunter-Paul, those in attendance are to enjoy a delcious two-course meal.
Hunter-Paul will be joined by a host of Bradford and Warrington Wolves legends, who will provide a detailed insight into the game while conducting interviews with members of the first team squad.
And you will be able to dine with them, before taking part in a pre-match entertainment, which is to include a quiz, where guests will have the opportunity to win brilliant prizes.
Following the game, guests will be invited back into the Legends Suite, where post-match presentations, with Bulls head coach Francis Cummins and the man of the match, are to be held.
This exclusive package, priced at just £24.95 for season-ticket holders and £29.95 for non-season ticket holders, also includes car parking passes (one per four guests) and a matchday magazine. To book call 08448 711 490. There are also other availability for none season ticket holders contact the bulls to confirm this any queries please e mail laura.hutchinson@bradfordbulls.co.uk
So we move onto the Wigan game I'm not going to drag this on as we are aware the bulls fell to there heaviest defeat in there history they sailed into a straight 84-6 victory very disappointing indeed and was very much one way traffic and to add more to our woes Oliver Roberts has broken his leg dismal afternoon for any travelling bulls fan. Bulls were swatted away like flies if this had been a boxing match it would have been stopped at half time. Now is the time though for all of us to stand together and we have to shout louder than ever before and cheer even in defeat we must must BULLieve COME ON YOU BULLS.
Just a final note too if any fan at the game at odsal hears any abusive language and you do not wish to be seen talking to a steward then text 07506 605125 brief description and your best location as possible to assist there are metal stanchions at the back of the all the stands and have letters on to assist. Finally Danny bridge has been recalled by the wolves. Thanks for reading and don't forget if your a rugby league fan and on twitter or Facebook follow or like @the18thman on Facebook the 18th man just BULLieve and cheer on the lads.
