McAvoy's blushes spared

Bradford have kept alive their outside chance of taking second place in the Super League table by scoring a 40-8 victory against Catalans Dragons at Odsal.

The Bulls touched down seven times in all, and now need a similar performance against Hull - whilst hoping that Leeds simultaneously slip up against Wakefield.

The result also spared the blushes of outgoing winger Nathan McAvoy, the former Salford and Wigan player scoring for the first time this season to avoid the traditional fate Bradford reserve for the tryless - a naked run around their stadium.

Deacon missing

The late withdrawal of scrum-half Paul Deacon saw Bradford coach Steve McNamara deploy Ian Henderson in the role - with the Bulls then making a slow start.

Les Catalans took advantage, with the soon-to-be-retiring Stacey Jones - who had been given a standing ovation prior to his last appearance in the UK - kicking them into the lead with a penalty.

And the visitors then went further ahead when Adel Fellous received a short pass from Luke Quigley close to the Bradford line to touch down.

Clint Greenshields then went over once more for the Perpignan side, a try referee Ben Thaler ruled out for crossing.

The decision proved the turning point in the match, with the Bulls subsequently finding their feet and scoring two tries before half time.

Terry Newton touched down the first from dummy half, with the same player's reverse pass five minutes later gifting Glenn Morrison the time and space to run in under the posts.

And with Deacon's deputy as goal-kicker, Iestyn Harris, proving perfectly able with both conversions, Bradford went into the break four points to the good.

Bulls finally hit top gear

The Bulls hit top gear in the second half, with David Solomona scoring their third before McAvoy pounced on Harris's chip to touch down.

A rout was now well-and-truly underway, with Bradford scoring three more tries before the final hooter - Dave Halley, Harris and Joe Vagana all getting on the scoresheet.