Bulls unimpressive in victory

Friday 26th February 2010

Steve Menzies claimed the only try as Bradford made heavy weather of winless Salford in a dreadful Engage Super League contest which finished 7-0 in their favour.

The Australian forward's 24th-minute touchdown proved enough for a second successive Bulls victory but the manner of their performance was again unimpressive.

Salford showed plenty of determination but lacked the quality to break through and Bradford made sure of victory at The Willows with a late Matt Orford penalty and Paul Sykes drop goal.

Bulls winger Rikki Sheriffe went close to scoring on more than one occasion early on but, hindered by a hamstring injury, he was unable to touch down precise kicks from influential half-backs Orford and Brett Kearney.

Salford at last earned some relief as they were awarded a penalty on halfway in the 21st minute and their supporters celebrated as if they had scored a try. And it almost got better as they finally pieced together a threatening attack but a Dan Holdsworth knock-on allowed Bradford to break.

The only try came moments later as Kearney burst through the line and Sykes sent Menzies over. Orford missed a straightforward conversion and despite applying more pressure, the Bulls were unable to add to their lead.

Sheriffe was unable to go for the second period and Dave Halley moved into his position out wide with Sykes taking over at full-back.

Salford showed resolve and eventually made some good ground. A penalty gave them a chance to attack the Bulls line but Luke Swain was held just short and Mark Henry then fumbled.

Another handling error, this time by Stefan Ratchford, ended another promising Reds attack, before the visitors at least put themselves a converted score ahead when they were awarded a penalty in the 65th minute and Orford accepted the two points on offer.

Bradford then added the extra insurance of a Sykes drop goal with two minutes remaining.