Bradford Bulls, wearing a special green strip designed especially for the Summer Bash, overcame a spirited challenge from Halifax today in the final match of the first day of the Summer Bash in Blackpool, winning 18-4 to retain second place in the table.
The game was an arm wrestle for the first 35 minutes until Ryan Shaw scored the opening try for Bradford after some fine play from stand-off Lee Gaskell.
Adrian Purtell then touched down for Bradford’s second try shortly before half-time, and Shaw converted both tries.
Soon after the interval, however, Shaw collided with Halifax prop Tyler Dickinson and had to leave the field with blood pouring from a head wound.
James Mendeika, who was on debut for Bradford, replaced him, and Halifax touched down when centre Ben Heaton got over the line.
Scott Murrell could not convert and then Bradford scored the try of the match after 56 minutes when Purtell touched down after some fine handling from Gaskell, Jay Pitts and Paul Clough.
Ross Divorty, Gaskell and Pitts all had tries disallowed by video referee Robert Hicks, but that couldn’t stop the Bulls claiming their twelfth straight Championship victory.
A full report and photos will feature in Monday’s edition of Rugby League Express.