Welcome to your latest Edition of Bullieve.
The Story So Far
It was the start the Bulls and its supporters wanted, it may not have been a classic performance but in the Odsal cold a win was ground out, much to the delight of the Bradford faithful who were clearly enjoying "Summer Rugby".
Omari Caro got his season off to a great start with a hat trick, and despite a few changes to the squad and some new names to watch out for during 2016, its clear to see that the likes of Lee Gaskell, Danny Addy and Adam O'Brien will be the men to guide the Bulls back to hopefully a return to Super League, and avoid a third season in the 2nd tier.
Next time out saw the Bulls travel to Cumbria, whilst a 46~10 scoreline seems like an easy win, but Whitehaven made the Bradford boys battle. Four minutes into the game James Clare had scored with Addy converting, Gaskell was next with what his first of a hat trick with once again the reliable boot of Addy tagging on the extras. The Bulls were superior in many aspects of there game passing,
play the ball and running was just too fast for the Haven defence, and with Pitts & Ferguson crossing in the first 25 minutes as a contest the game seemed over at 24~0, Addy's contribution in this period was outstanding. However Haven did offer some resistance, when Jay Chapelhow scored wide on the right and a successful conversion making it 24~6 at half time. The second half started well for the Cumbrian's resisting several attacks from the Bulls, and were rewarded with a score of their own but hitting the post with the attempted conversion attempt. Whitehaven were becoming a threat with Brocklebank making some fine breaks against an excellent Bradford defence. However the tables turned in the shape of Adam O'Brien who was increasingly effective and went over for his try of his own but Addy missed the conversion. Gaskell and Pitts were next to add to the scoring and once again Addy didn't miss with extras. Whitehaven were beginning tire and the Bulls began to show the levels of fitness expected from a full time squad, at this point you would have said 10~40 seemed a fair scoreline, but then came a bizarre ending, the hooter had sounded, Haven had the ball and Joufret attempted to kick through the Bulls defence, Bradford were taken a back but the defence picked up the lose ball and Gaskell sauntering over to complete a hat trick, once again Addy's boot was on form.
A visit across the Pennines was next on the cards to visit Swinton Lions at the Select security stadium. Kris Welham starred with a hat trick as the Bulls ran in 9 tries to beat Swinton 48~16, yet again the Bulls started the game in a hurry with Tom Olbison crashing over the line after just 3 minutes, Bradford continued with the pressure and were rewarded with a try courtesy of Kris Welham & around 6 minutes later he was over again, with Addy tagging on the extras.
Swinton tried to get a hold in the game but the Bulls were too strong and showed there superiority with Omari Caro intercepting a pass on his own line and scored under the posts after travelling the length of the field, by far the moment of the match.
Swinton did manage to get a score on the board before halftime but the story belonged the men from Yorkshire.
It didn't take the Bulls long to get back into there stride again after half time, Matty Blythe was next to score after only 5 minutes, then came Kris Welham completing his hat trick after Danny Addy had powered past defenders and feeding Welham for him to touch down.
Swinton were not to be denied though and hit back with 2 tries of their own, but it was the men from Odsal who hit back in great fashion as Olbison added his second and Lee Gaskell wrapping it all up in the 76th minute. Danny Addy also another succesfull evening with the boot kicking 6/9.
A return to Odsal was next on the cards for the Bulls against big spending and other Super league hopefuls Leigh Centurions, well what can we say about this game.
This had to be the fixture that both sets of fans had been looking for when the fixtures were announced, and it certainly lived up to expectations or at least in entertainment value, maybe not good for those with a pacemaker though.
This wasn't the start the Bulls wanted, despite in the previous matches Bradford have been the ones with the quick early scores, it wasn't to be on this day, Leigh ran in 2 tries in 10 minutes leaving the Bulls reeling, Leigh were good for the money too and plenty of handling errors gave the Centurions possession, well to be fair for 65 minutes Bradford never really turned up, but credit to Leigh who took there chances well and were 32~6 up and seemed as though the 2 points were heading back over to Lancashire.
Step up James Clare who grabbed 2 tries in quick succession to start what everyone thought could be an unlikely comeback, then it was Adrian Purtell to score but with Danny Addy only managing the one conversion the gap was still 12 points. Then as the game entered the final 15 minutes it was Danny Addy to pounce on a deflected kick. who weaved through the Leigh defence to score, now the Bulls were on the charge and with only seconds left it was Omari Caro who had taken the ball well from Gaskells chip and raced through to touch the ball down, the hooter went but the conversion was still to come. Addy took his time and held his nerve to slot the ball between the posts to earn an unlikely draw and send the Odsal faithful into delirium. Both coaches had there say with Jimmy claiming "We were rubbish and harsh words were said at half time" whatever was said seemed to work but Bradford must play for 80 and not 15 if stand any chance of a return to SL.
A short trip down the road to Batley was next up for the Odsal men and there unbeaten run, John Kear's men are made of stern stuff and made the Bradford men work hard for what became only a point, it was Omari Caro who had opened the scoring on the 7th minute and the start was much improved on the previous performance, Caro touched down in the corner, but it was soon to be level as Chris Ulugia hit back 10 minutes later to put the scores level. It was Batley who then doubled there lead with Dave Scott scoring under the posts, Bradford responded well with successive sets and hammered Batley's line, Welham's kick caused confusion and Ferguson touched the ball down to level the scores. With minutes before the half time hooter sounded Jay Pitts went into score to send the visitors in with the lead.
The 2nd half started with the Bulls on the front foot, waves of attack hit the Batley line but it was Jay Pitts to break past and score his 2nd under the posts. Bulls were close again but a superb effort from Batley held them out.
The home side were certainly not out of the contest despite some intense pressure from Bradford, and grabbed a try themselves through Keegan Hirst via Cain Southernwoods kick, into the dying moments and poor defending let in Batley but were unable to level the scores with the conversion attempt. Then it was last minute drama again as Batley were awarded a penalty as the hooter sounded, contentious decision but it was another day of sharing the points. But did it go over?
In recent weeks its all been a bit up and down, knocked out of the challenge cup, 2 losses back to back against Halifax and Sheffield respectively in the league and some fans calling for Jimmy to go. You have to argue that Bradford really haven't hit the heights that were expected this season, a tough first half at Dewsbury and questions were being asked once more, as the Rams once again started the brighter. But the fortunes for the Bulls changed after half time as they finally showed there class, against a side that is currently run ragged with injuries, Kris Welham ran in 5 tries in all and in the 2nd half the Bulls were just a cut above. It may relieve the pressure for now for under fire coach James Lowes, which keeps us in the top 4 for now but in the coming weeks its not going to get much easier, Workington visit Odsal this weekend then its a trip to the capital against London Broncos, also with Sheffield and Leigh at the end of May, (Summer Bash) its due that a full time squad gets its act together and puts in some 80 minute performances. Was the 2nd half at Dewsbury the turning point?? Only time will tell but if we want to be in Super league next season then a drastic improvement needs to happen and soon.
Omari Caro crosses for 1 of his tries in the victory over Featherstone.
Picture Courtesy of Bradford Bulls RLFC
Into the Archives.
We start our new feature this time with a true legend of Bradford Northern, some readers may very well remember him during his playing career, in this edition we look back at the career of Keith Mumby.
Keith burst onto the Odsal scene in sparkling fashion when he made his debut on 4th November 1973, at 16 years 9 months old, he was given the chance to take a place in the first team due to the shock resignation of the full back Eddie Tees, as on November 1st had decided to retire from the game completely.
It became a dream debut scoring 27 points with 12 goals and a try that day, recording not only a new club record for points scored in a debut for Northern, but setting a new record for any player in the history of the sport whilst making his full senior level debut.
The record still stands today for any player on a debut. Even at such a young age Keith made the full back position his own, with gutsy and solid performances, his tackling was one of his major strong points, and was rare to lose out on a one on one situation. Keith had superb ability in running with ball in hand and to run through the opponents tackles to make useful yardage out of his own 25 yard area. His other great skill was the sure way to clean up high kicks towards him, Mumby had some of the safest hands in Rugby League.
Over the first few seasons he became a great all round player who the supporters took to in a big way, with Mumby at the back, they knew there last line of defence was solid and capable of dealing with almost anything thrown at him. Keith was very consistent player and always seemed to have a good game even when the rest of his side were below par, or suffered a bad defeat.
Over the years Keith broke many records which stood for a very long time, mainly due to his ability to kick goals from any angle, with his straight on run up action, although at the time he set new records some of which have now been broken such as Paul Deacon surpassing the most points scored in 2006, Mumby was never able to set a seasonal record of any kind.
He was the leading points scorer In 7 of his first 8 years at the club between 1973/74 to 1980/8, with his best being one of 274 points from 131 goals and 4 tries in 1973/74.
Despite being regarded as one of the best players around at the time by both fellow players and sports critics alike between 1975-1987, it seems hard to understand that he only represented Great Britain a handful of times and was overlooked completely during the Australian tour of Great Britain in 1986, especially at the time the touring party were ripping the British apart and the squad was crying out for a recognised full back to stop the rampant Aussies. He was chosen for 2 tours though in 1979 and 1984.
Keith stayed loyal to Bradford during his time, despite interest shown from other clubs Keith did not share there interest, even offers were made but he stayed loyal to the club which took him on as a schoolboy then graduating to become one of Bradford's best players since the early 1950's, his name stands proudly with the other greats of the club throughout its proud history with such as Trevor Foster, Ernest Ward , Jack Mclean, Joe Philips and Frank Whitcombe.
One remarkable statistic about Keith's career was that up to the end of the 1988/89 season, he had only made one appearance from the substitutes bench, every other game saw him take the field from the kick off, this was against Warrington in the league on April 5th 1987, in total he only ever made 8 appearances the bench throughout his time with Northern.
In total Keith made 588 appearances for the club scoring 68 tries and kicked 779 goals. He also won the first division player of the year for the 1982-83 season. The goal tally could have been much greater as for around the 1981/82 season Keith took a back seat and let some of the other squad take the bulk of the goal kicking. Between 1981/82 up to the end of 1986/87 Mumby had only kicked 121 goals from the 680 registered by the club from 242 matches played during that period, Mumby himself only played in 197 of them and kicking goals from 42 of them at an average of 3 goals per game. Had that been maintained in those 155 appearances he could have amassed well over 425 more goals, which would have put him well over the 1'000 goal mark and potentially scoring well over 2'500 points.
And all of this whilst working as a joiner too. Keith we salute you.
Over the first few seasons he became a great all round player who the supporters took to in a big way, with Mumby at the back, they knew there last line of defence was solid and capable of dealing with almost anything thrown at him. Keith was very consistent player and always seemed to have a good game even when the rest of his side were below par, or suffered a bad defeat.
Over the years Keith broke many records which stood for a very long time, mainly due to his ability to kick goals from any angle, with his straight on run up action, although at the time he set new records some of which have now been broken such as Paul Deacon surpassing the most points scored in 2006, Mumby was never able to set a seasonal record of any kind.
He was the leading points scorer In 7 of his first 8 years at the club between 1973/74 to 1980/8, with his best being one of 274 points from 131 goals and 4 tries in 1973/74.
Despite being regarded as one of the best players around at the time by both fellow players and sports critics alike between 1975-1987, it seems hard to understand that he only represented Great Britain a handful of times and was overlooked completely during the Australian tour of Great Britain in 1986, especially at the time the touring party were ripping the British apart and the squad was crying out for a recognised full back to stop the rampant Aussies. He was chosen for 2 tours though in 1979 and 1984.
Keith stayed loyal to Bradford during his time, despite interest shown from other clubs Keith did not share there interest, even offers were made but he stayed loyal to the club which took him on as a schoolboy then graduating to become one of Bradford's best players since the early 1950's, his name stands proudly with the other greats of the club throughout its proud history with such as Trevor Foster, Ernest Ward , Jack Mclean, Joe Philips and Frank Whitcombe.
One remarkable statistic about Keith's career was that up to the end of the 1988/89 season, he had only made one appearance from the substitutes bench, every other game saw him take the field from the kick off, this was against Warrington in the league on April 5th 1987, in total he only ever made 8 appearances the bench throughout his time with Northern.
In total Keith made 588 appearances for the club scoring 68 tries and kicked 779 goals. He also won the first division player of the year for the 1982-83 season. The goal tally could have been much greater as for around the 1981/82 season Keith took a back seat and let some of the other squad take the bulk of the goal kicking. Between 1981/82 up to the end of 1986/87 Mumby had only kicked 121 goals from the 680 registered by the club from 242 matches played during that period, Mumby himself only played in 197 of them and kicking goals from 42 of them at an average of 3 goals per game. Had that been maintained in those 155 appearances he could have amassed well over 425 more goals, which would have put him well over the 1'000 goal mark and potentially scoring well over 2'500 points.
And all of this whilst working as a joiner too. Keith we salute you.
In this issue were being Kicked to Death, Welcome to former Bradford Bull Paul Deacon.
When Paul Deacon signed for the Bulls In 1998 no one could imagine how influential the 'baby face assassin' would become for the Bulls over the next 10 years. Originally from Standish near Wigan, Deacon made his first team debut just 4 days before 18th birthday coming on as a substitute for Oldham in the Challenge cup game against Rochdale hornets, of which Oldham were 48-6 victors, Paul was to become one of the clubs most influential players of the modern era joining such players at the time as Jamie Peacock and Stuart Fielden through the youth development system. Deacon's debut in a Bradford shirt came against Huddersfield in 1998 at scrum half, despite scoring a try and a goal on his debut the side lost 36-10.
His first game may not have gone as planned, but over the years Deacon put his own stamp down and was named in the Bulls 'Team of the Century' of which he won every major honour with the club.
Despite Paul being quite busy with his current schedule at Sale, we managed to catch up with him and ask him a few questions, we hope you enjoy.
Q. What inspired you to play Rugby league.
I was in to all sports when I was young and was taken down to Hindley Giants by a friend and his father when I was 9. I was hooked straight away. I had to choose between football and rugby when I was 11 as they started to be played on the same day. I chose rugby because I got more of the ball!!
I turned 9 in 1988 and that coincided with Wigan reaching 8 consecutive Challenge Cup finals. I went to all of them! Watching the likes of Ellery Hanley, Sean Edwards and my boy hood hero, Andy Gregory inspired me to play the game.
Q. You enjoyed so much success at Bradford, can you tell us about your highs and
lows at the club.
There were so many highs, I can’t mention them all! Scoring on my debut against Huddersfield at odsal, after being set up by Robbie Paul will always stick in my mind. Then, beating Leeds away the week after. This should have been a high but I threw an interception pass that Graham Holroyd went the length of the field with to score, so ended up being a personal low!! Beating Newcastle in 2002, who had a certain Andrew Johns in their team, was special as it was the start of me becoming the 1st choice scrum half for the Bulls. Then missing the next 2 World Club Challenges due to injury was definitely disappointing. The game that sticks in my mind the most is the 2003 Challenge Cup final. Millenium stadium, with the roof on, and beating Leeds was very special, and then subsequently going on to win the treble was amazing.
Q. You have played in some huge games with great importance, not just in a bulls
shirt either, how did you handle the pressure in those matches, especially the
kick at Valley Parade to beat your hometown club. (Pure master kicking that)
I learned quickly how to embrace and enjoy pressure. I played for England school boys when I was 16 and had a stinker. I was too nervous, and it affected my performance. I said to myself then, that that would never happen again!
I used to enjoy kicking goals and always grew up imagining what it would be like to have a kick to win a game. I would practice on the local field as a kid and tell myself this kick was to win the Cup final, so when I had the chance to do it for real I thought to myself ‘I have always wanted to be in this situation’. I think that’s how I kept calm!
Q. What was your training regime like compared to others within the squad and
did you have any specific ritual you carried out before a game.
My training was the same as everybody elses. Obviously I would practice my kicking after training had finished! Before a game I used to keep myself busy in the changing rooms. I would strap my toes to prevent blisters, then get my ankles strapped and have a massage. Nothing out of the ordinary really. I am not a superstitious person.
Q. What would be your most stand out moment in a Bradford shirt.
Something I was personally proud of was winning the Harry Sunderland trophy in 2002, although I would have swapped it for the win!
Q. Having played for Great Britain and England, in your opinion would a revert
back to Great Britain make our nation stronger as there seems to be still a gap
between northern and Southern Hemisphere rugby league.
I like the idea of Great Britain but it would weaken the World Cup. I would stay with England, but have a Great Britain tour/test series every 4 Years. I think that would be beneficial for the international game.
Q. You have now moved over to Union, how was the transition going over. And
what's your feelings on the Sam Burgess saga after this years World Cup fiasco,
surely we can't blame just one player.
The transition has gone well. The players and staff at Sale have been very welcoming and open to my suggestions. I am enjoying the challenge of learning a new game.
Sam is a great rugby player and certainly wasn’t England’s worst performer in the World Cup. The press coverage was completely over the top surrounding Sam. To me, he was part of a team that didn’t do as well as expected. There was 30 other players in that squad that not much was wrote about. I believe it was the decision to pick him that got people’s back up, not his performance, but the press around it all was ridiculous.
Q. What advice would you give to any rising rugby player who wants to make it
within the game, and who was your inspiration and driving force.
My parents brought me up to always try my best, because you can’t do anymore. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s one a believe in. I think that if you try as hard as you can then when an opportunity arises you can take it. You never know when that might be.
Q. Who was the fiercest competitor you ever came up against. And who was the
fiercest you have played alongside.
There are too many to mention. I wouldn’t want to single anyone out. Everyone who plays rugby league has to be tough in some way. I believe the best halfback I have seen play the game and was fortunate to play against is Andrew Johns.
Q. The fans have been massive these past few seasons at Bulls, what does it feel
like to walk out to a cauldron of noise, did you ever feel the pressure of
expectation when you set foot on the pitch.
Odsal was brilliant. I loved playing there and the fans were fantastic. I will never forget the derby in 1999 when over 24000 fans filled the stadium! I felt privalaged every time I ran out there.
Q. What would be your advice to the fans now as we face another tough
challenging season in the Championship.
Stick with the team. Jimmy’s doing a great job and the team is heading in the right direction. The Club has been saved, largely down to the fans so don’t leave them now. I will always be a Bulls supporter.
Q. In 2006 you overtook Keith Mumby's long standing goal record how did you feel
once you knew you had achieved this.
It is not something I thought/think about much. It is nice to hold that record at such a historic club but I just kicked the goals! It was the rest of the lads who scored tries! What I mean by this is that I was fortunate to play in a successful team for many years who scored a lot of tries. Any kicker during that period would have probably broke the record, it just happened to be me.
Q. What do you like to do day away from the rugby field to relax.
I am a very keen golfer (when the wife lets me!). I have never been able to play as much as I would have liked!
Debbie's Grand Day Out.
We asked you last month to get involved with us, well Debbie certainly did after enjoying her first ever match at Odsal, Debbie was a guest of Bradford Bulls Supporters group, and had a fabulous time rubbing shoulders with the players, and our very own CEO Robbie Hunter-Paul.
Debbie said " It was the best day ever, we were very well looked after by Adrian and Dave, you couldn't have asked for a better day plus we got the win which really made my day. Even my Husband Paul enjoyed the day and he supports Hull F.C" The question is though Debbie have you converted him to be a Bull?? Were glad you had a great day and we send Paul best wishes for a successful season for Hull too, lets hope next year were all paying a visit to the K.C. Her are some pictures from Debbie's day.
Debbie said " It was the best day ever, we were very well looked after by Adrian and Dave, you couldn't have asked for a better day plus we got the win which really made my day. Even my Husband Paul enjoyed the day and he supports Hull F.C" The question is though Debbie have you converted him to be a Bull?? Were glad you had a great day and we send Paul best wishes for a successful season for Hull too, lets hope next year were all paying a visit to the K.C. Her are some pictures from Debbie's day.
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| Have you Shrunk?? |
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| With Vila Halifihi |
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| So you really are this small! |
Paul &Debbie with Robbie.
Fan Zone.
We are always looking to see your collections of Northern/Bulls memorabilia, so recently whilst looking over Facebook I stumbled across Viki Croston's status update, and asked if I could feature her shirt collection on our next edition. Viki also went on to tell us on how she became to be a Bull.
Viki is a Bull from over the Pennines and has been following the Bulls for around 10 years, with the current season being her 11th, this her story of supporting our great team.
I grew up watching Rugby League my dad was an avid Wigan fan and still to this day is, I also used to go to Rochdale Hornets as a kid, but I was first introduced to a Bulls game by Mum's partner Bill, the first match I attended was the derby against Leeds, in the days of Deacon, Hape, Vanikolo, Fielden and Vagana, I was hooked from day one and been supporting them ever since, I travel to all home and most away games in all weathers.
My favourite old school player was Stuart Fielden, but these days i've got to say my favourite is Adam O'Brien.
Thank you Viki for letting us share your collection of shirts and telling us about how you became to be a Bull.
So can you better that? What means most to YOU, what made YOU support the Bulls? Do YOU have a lucky shirt? Well if you do, get in touch with us and we can feature you in our next edition.
We have plenty of ways you can send in your stories, via Twitter @BullsBULLieve. You can e mail us bullieve@hotmail.co.uk or simply join our Facebook group Bradford Bulls BULLieve where you can also leave your pictures, stories anytime and will always aim to get back in touch.
Also if you have any connection with an amateur team and you would like us to feature a game or a particular event that's taking place then please let us know at the above contact details, we will endeavour to feature your event as soon as possible within our blog, and also via our social media platforms to assist with your event/game.
News from the Bulls.
We cant leave this edition of BULLieve without a mention of our ladies team, they also had the matter of a game last Sunday 10th April, against Selby and recorded an emphatic win 82-0, well done ladies and we look forward to cheering you on in the future.
Should any of our readers wish to attend the next home game, please follow the links below which should take you too the Bradford Bulls page all contact details for the club can also be found below.
BRING THE NOISE FOR WORKINGTON
12 Apr 2016 in Ticket News
BRING THE NOISE FOR WORKINGTON
GET your tickets as Bradford Bulls take on Workington Town on Sunday 24th April.
The Bulls return to the Provident Stadium for Round 11 of the Kingstone Press Championship, kick off 3pm.
Last year at the Provident Stadium the Bulls comprehensively beat Town 36-6 in Round Seven after beating them a week earlier in the Challenge Cup.
After thumping Dewsbury Rams 52-18 in Round Ten, Bradford will be aiming to continue their winning ways with two points against Workington.
Cheer on the team by buy your tickets ONLINE, calling 08448 711 490 or visiting the Team Shop, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
Provident Stand (seating)
Adult (25-64) - £25
Concession (65+) - £20
Young Adult (18-24) - £20
Youth (11-18) - £15
Junior (5-11) - £8
Baby (0-4) – Free
Terrace (standing)
Adult (25-64) - £20
Concession (65+) - £15
Young Adult (18-24) - £15
Youth (11-18) - £10
Junior (5-11) - £3
Baby (0-4) – Free
Admission prices increase by £2 on matchday.
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All images have been used with the permission of the Club Bradford Bulls RLFC, please note that the views within the blog do not reflect those of the Club and are totally independent. This is a fans page for the fans by the fans. Any comments or suggestions can be left on our social media platforms.
The content of this issue was researched and written by Thomas Fynn. Most of all we hope you enjoy reading these blogs as much as I do writing them. Finally thanks for reading Keep the Faith and most of all BULLieve!!!!!!!
