Finals Week Two
Bradford Bulls 40 d. Warrington Wolves 24

2006 English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: English Super League

Resurgent Bulls charge to KC
Sun October 1, 2006
Source: www.bradfordbulls.co.uk

Bradford battled their way past Warrington 40-24 to put themselves within one win of reaching the Grand Final.

Michael Withers' hat-trick helped the Bulls triumph at Grattan Odsal and set up a final eliminator against Hull next Friday.

The Wolves played their part in a sensational play-off tie, battling back from an early 18-point deficit to raise hopes of a second successive shock win on their travels.

However, their efforts proved to be in a losing cause as Bradford climbed off the canvas to score three late tries and give the final scoreline a rather flattering look.

Just as they had seven days earlier against Salford, the Bulls flew out of the traps to move into a commanding early lead.

Not even the loss of in-form forward Andy Lynch with a suspected broken ankle could halt the Bulls as they scored three tries in the opening quarter of the contest.

Michael Withers led the way with a brace, his first coming from close range after his team-mates had managed to keep the ball alive on the fifth tackle.

A delayed pass from Terry Newton allowed the full-back to waltz over the line for his second as Warrington looked incapable of stopping their opponents.

Karl Pryce shrugged his way through some paper-thin tackling from the visitors to set up Paul Deacon, who added his third conversion to make it 18-0.

It appeared as if the home fans could look forward to another avalanche of points following on from the 52-6 win over the City Reds last time out.

However, the Wolves had other ideas and, after finally managing to show some composure with ball in hand, they slowly worked their way back into the match.

It was no surprise that Briers was the catalyst for the comeback, the Welshman getting the ball rolling by going over for Warrington's opening try.

His well-weighted kick to the corner allowed Henry Fa'afili to score soon after as the strong army of visiting fans suddenly found their voice.

It nearly got even better for the away side shortly before the break but Chris McKenna's desperate lunge in defence denied Briers after a wonderful dummy.

Deacon's injury-time penalty gave Bradford an eight-point lead at the break, although that soon evaporated as Warrington continued their resurgence at the start of the second half.

Stuart Reardon's jinking run shredded Bradford's defence and allowed Toa Kohe-Love to cross on the left wing.

The Wolves then moved ahead for the first time on the night as Reardon turned from provider to scorer to finish off a flowing team move under the posts.

Briers added the simple conversion to put Warrington ahead, although their advantage proved to be brief as Deacon levelled it at 22-22 with a penalty on the hour mark.

A penalty from Briers' boot edged his team back in front but the Wolves' skipper came up with a crucial error that cost his team dear.

His failure to hang on to an interception wiped the tackle count and Bradford took full advantage.

Deacon danced his way through a tiring defensive line to put the Bulls back in front.

It was left to Lesley Vainikolo to clinch the victory, the giant winger picking up a loose ball and rumbling 80 yards down the field to score.

Withers was generously awarded a late score to complete his hat-trick and rub further salt in Warrington's wounds as their season came to an end.

In contrast, Bradford live to fight another day and now head to the KC Stadium with the chance to reach a sixth straight Grand Final.

Report source: www.bradfordbulls.co.uk


engage Super League Finals Information - Week #2
Mon September 25, 2006
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

It's the culmination of another great season. The finest two teams in engage Super League battling it out to be crowned champions on a day that is guaranteed to be one to remember.

The play-offs are underway and have proved to be just as exciting and passionate as promised.

Now only St Helens, Hull FC, Bradford Bulls and Warrington Wolves remain in contention for the engage Super League title.

This week's fixtures are:

Friday 29/9/06 Qualifying Semi-Final - St Helens v Hull FC (ko 8pm)

Saturday 30/9/06 Elimination Semi-Final - Bradford Bulls v Warrington Wolves (ko 6pm)

Each team will be striving and working towards that great day at Old Trafford, Manchester on the 14th October where the action is guaranteed to be electric!

Don't miss out. Limited availability.

Ticket selling fast - Book Now.

24-hour Grand Final ticket hotline 0870 990 1313
or online at www.engagesuperleague.co.uk/tickets

Hospitality hotline 0870 990 1311

News source: www.superleague.co.uk

Advanced Search