Bulls sneak past Crusaders

Michael Platt grabbed a late try to clinch a 20-16 engage Super League victory for Bradford against Crusaders at the Grattan Stadium.

Crusaders were leading in the second half but a converted score from Platt eight minutes from the whistle wrapped up the win for the Bulls.

Earlier tries from Dave Halley, Chris Nero and Glenn Hall also helped the home side to their triumph, while Weller Hauraki and Vince Mellars touched down for the visitors.

The Bulls drew first blood within just three minutes as a long Matt Orford pass paired with some quick hands from Chris Nero saw Halley storm over in the corner.

Far-off

Orford was some way off with his conversion attempt, but was not helped by the windy conditions.

Crusaders, playing their first game in 10 days, replied swiftly as Hauraki fought his way over following a Brett Kearney knock-on near to the Bulls' line. The second-rower brushed off a couple of would-be tacklers before eventually crossing to the left of the posts, with Michael Witt converting.

Paul Sykes then hit the posts with a penalty before some good short passing from Crusaders allowed Mellars to touch down in the corner on 23 minutes.

Witt added the extras once again only for the hosts to come back just four minutes later.

Sykes sent a high kick over Gareth Thomas midway between the posts and the left touchline and Chris Nero was able to score.

The home side then reclaimed their lead when Glenn Hall stormed across the whitewash in the 32nd minute for Bulls' third try, with Orford slotting his first goal of the match.

Crusaders were on the board first after the restart when Witt levelled the scores with a penalty awarded for a high tackle in the 52nd minute.

Chance

Witt had a chance to boot his side ahead when Michael Worrincy infringed at the play-the-ball, but his kick was off target.

He made no such error in the 66th minute, however, after the Bulls were penalised for a similar offence.

Feeling the pressure, the Bulls went up a gear in the closing stages and finally crossed the line to clinch the match in the 72nd minute.

Orford broke through the first line of defence and fed Nick Scruton, who sent the ball right to allow Platt to slot his second try in four matches.