MATCH REPORT // Bradford Bulls 36 v 8 Newcastle Thunder

A much-changed starting line-up for Thunder fell to their second successive league defeat at the hands of high-flying Bradford Bulls.

Thunder trailed 18-4 at the break in an error strewn first half, where Bradford crossed twice in the opening 16 minutes.

George Flanagan Snr and Tom Holmes both dotted down for the hosts with Jordan Lilley converting both scores.

Thunder would reply with a try of their own through Robert Tuliatu. The prop forward crashed through and stretched out to score his first try in Thunder colours.

The conversion drifted wide, and the score stood at 12-4 just short of 25 minutes played.

Bradford would go on to show their class and why they’re in contention for play-offs through a score on 30 minutes.

Joe Arundel exploited a gap in the defence on the power play crossing for the hosts and with Lilley proving excellent from the tee, converted to take the score to 18-4.

Little action took place in the first half after this, and Bradford would take a 14-point lead into the second half.

Bradford came out in the second half firing, crossing just after three minutes played.

Jordan Lilley, instrumental in a lot of Bradford’s play, secured a try of his own after collecting a neat offload from Keven Appo. The half-back converted his own score to make it 24-4 to the hosts.

Thunder would grab their second of the afternoon less than 10 minutes later through Alex Clegg.

Crossing from close range the winger secured his ninth try of the season on 52 minutes and with the conversion unsuccessful, Thunder trailed 24-8.

Bradford would add a further two tries to their tally before the final whistle.

The first through former Thunder player Kieran Gill, getting on the end of a grubber kick through and a second of the afternoon for George Flanagan Snr who powered over from dummy half.

Lilley maintained his 100% record from the tee, converting both tries and leaving the final score 36-8 in favour of Bradford Bulls.

NEWCASTLE THUNDER SCORERS

TRIES: Robert Tuliatu, Alex Clegg.

BRADFORD BULLS SCORERS

TRIES: George Flanagan Snr. 2, Tom Holmes, Joe Arundel, Jordan Lilley, Kieran Gill.

GOALS: Jordan Lilley 6. 

Photography credit: Bradford Bulls.