Halley the hero for Bulls

Bradford sealed their first win of the Super League season in dramatic fashion, as a late, late try clinched a 30-24 triumph over Les Catalans.

Dave Halley, recalled from a loan spell with Wakefield in the week, crossed with just 15 seconds to play at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

The winger's easy finish settled a thrilling contest and should help relieve some of the pressure on under-fire Bulls coach Steve McNamara.

Their first triumph in 2009, having managed a draw and three defeats in their previous four outings, also means they leapfrog their opponents in the table.

Costly error

Kevin Walters' side only have themselves to blame for giving Bradford the chance to win it at the death, Thomas Bosc's kick straight into touch providing their opponents with excellent field position to steal the points.

The Dragons will look back on a hat-trick of scores they had ruled out by video referee Dave Merrick in a second half they dominated for long periods having fought back from 12-2 and 18-6 down in the first half.

After Bosc's early penalty the Bulls stormed into the lead with two tries in the space of seven minutes, Steve Menzies catching Ben Jeffries' kick out wide to cross for the first.

Semi Tadulala followed him over the line soon after, Paul Deacon converting both, though the Dragons replied with an effort from winger Vincent Duport.

Rikki Sheriffe finished off a flowing move to score again for the Bulls but they were pegged back by a Dragons comeback that began with Greg Bird going over against the team he was originally meant to join.

The new Catalans captain, who was denied fulfilling his deal with Bradford due to visa issues, capitalised on Michael Platt's inability to catch an up-and-under, nipping in to put pressure on the loose ball before it went dead.

Olivier Elima barged his way over to give Bosc an easy kick to level the scores shortly before half time ahead of a frantic second 40 minutes.

After centre Steve Bell produced a tremendous try-saving tackle to deny Tadulala a second, Les Catalans completely dominated proceedings.

Busy official

Clint Greenshields, Bosc and Dimitri Pelo all saw efforts ruled out by the busy Merrick, who should perhaps avoid France as a future holiday destination.

The official eventually sided with the hosts when asked to confirm Jean Philippe Baile close range try, Bosc converting to make it 24-18.

Their advantage lasted just seven minutes, though, Terry Newton getting his first try of the campaign when he dived over from dummy half.

Paul Sykes, kicking instead of Deacon, missed the extras but made no mistake with a penalty from the left of the posts soon after.

Just as it appeared the spoils would be shared the normally reliable Bosc had a moment of madness which cost his team dear.

Ben Jeffries was set up for a drop goal attempt only to be closed down quickly, forcing him to run to the right and float out a pass to a wide open Halley, who gleefully galloped in next to the posts to win it at the death.