Dobson makes his point

Hull KR scrum-half Michael Dobson's last-minute drop-goal earned the visitors a point at Odsal.

Two minutes earlier, Bulls captain Paul Deacon had slotted over a drop-goal of his own to edge his side 13-12 ahead, but there was still time for Dobson to have the final word.

Rovers were eyeing a hard-earned victory at half-time after establishing a 12-10 interval advantage through two tries from Peter Fox and two goals from Dobson.

They were forced to defend doggedly for the majority of the game but the Bulls, who also touched down twice in the first half through Semi Tadulala and Chris Nero, dominated the second period.

Deacon levelled the scores with 10 minutes remaining and then seized centre stage again with his drop goal before Dobson struck from distance to ensure the honours were shared.

Rovers stunned Bradford by opening the scoring inside the second minute when a 20-metre restart allowed Scott Murrell to begin a move which saw Fox embark on a run from deep inside his own half.

Platt showed blistering pace to leave a trail of Bradford defenders in his wake, avoiding Michael Platt's weak attempts at a cover tackle and touching down between the posts.

Dobson added the easiest of conversions to put Rovers 6-0 ahead and in the eighth minute that advantage was extended by another two points after interference by Sam Burgess.

Too many Bradford passes were misplaced, undercooked or simply forward as the visitors defended their line with admirable doggedness.

Rovers stand-off Paul Cooke was placed on report for catching Ben Jeffries late and the Bulls, with Deacon a growing influence, began to build up a head of steam.

Rewarded

They were rewarded in the 27th minute when Glenn Morrison's neat short offload sent Tadulala over in the left corner.

Deacon converted the score with a fine touchline conversion but Bradford were caught out four minutes later when Rovers and Fox claimed a second try.

The visitors stretched their opponents out wide and Ben Galea's long pass allowed Fox to squeeze over in the left corner.

Yet the pendulum swung back in the Bulls' favour shortly before half-time when Terry Newton fed Morrison and he produced another telling pass to usher Chris Nero over in the left corner.

Deacon could not add the conversion that would have levelled the scores and while Bradford continued to probe after the restart, they created precious little.

Rovers' defending was outstanding in the second period as Bradford increased the pressure, but Paul Sykes could not take Burgess' delicate offload in his stride with the try-line begging.

However, points finally arrived for Bradford with 10 minutes remaining when Deacon slotted home a penalty from under the posts.

There was still time for late drama as Dobson scored on the last play of the game but honours even was probably a fair reflection of the game.