Bulls edge out Tigers

Bradford ended Castleford's 100 per cent record in this season's Super League on Sunday when they beat the Tigers 18-14 in a tight West Yorkshire derby.

Although not at their fluent best, the Bulls did at least display little of the defensive frailty seen last weekend when they were on the end of a 50-16 thrashing at the hands of Huddersfield.

Castleford, who gave a debut to former Melbourne Storm centre Willie Isa, scored two tries in all and made the brighter start.

However, they never created enough opportunities to suggest they could maintain what has been their best ever start to a summer season and also suffered a blow when captain Danny Orr departed because of injury midway through the second half.

Bulls coach Mick Potter had highlighted the threat posed by Tigers playmaker Rangi Chase in the run up to the game and his fears were realised when the New Zealander opened the scoring after just three minutes.

Chase fended off the attentions of both Jamie Langley and Brett Kearney with ease before embarking on a 40-metre dash to the line.

Kirk Dixon converted and also added a penalty on 27 minutes but that was as good as it got for Castleford in the first half.

Intent

Bradford started to look more lively, with French second rower Olivier Elima forcing his way over from dummy half to claim his first try for the club on 10 minutes.

Then, after Craig Kopczak and Tom Olbison had been held up over the line, another replacement forward, Nick Scruton, touched down just prior to half time after receiving a pass from substitute hooker Heath L'Estrange.

L'Estrange, back in the Bulls squad after spending two matches on the sidelines with an ankle injury, came off the bench after 25 minutes and immediately added more intent to their attack.

He was involved once again eight minutes into the second half when his accurate pass sent the charging Scruton over for his second try.

Patrick Ah Van's third goal extended the Bulls' lead to 18-8 but the Tigers were back in the hunt when hooker Daryl Clark scooped up a loose ball and sprinted 80 metres unopposed to the line.

Dixon kicked his third goal to cut the gap to four points but Bradford's defence held firm to clinch a third win of the season.