Bradford make remarkable comeback

Friday 5th March 2010

Australian forward Glenn Hall scored his first try in Super League as Bradford came from 20-0 down to snatch a dramatic 22-20 victory which ended Wigan's 100% record.

Hall, one of three close-season recruits from Manly Sea Eagles, crashed over with just a minute left to cap a remarkable fightback and secure a third successive victory for the Bulls.

Steve McNamara's men looked down and out at half-time when they trailed by 20 points after being completely outplayed by their in-form visitors, but scrum half Matt Orford masterminded a famous comeback highlighted by a brace of tries.

There was no hint of the drama to come when the Warriors, fresh from a 58-0 rout of Catalans Dragons, made the perfect start with a try after three minutes.

Amos Roberts' long pass found an unmarked Darrell Goulding on the right flank to go over for the first score and the visitors ought to have had a second try when left winger Pat Richards broke clear but sent out a poor final pass to the supporting Sam Tomkins.

Bradford failed to heed the danger signs and were cut open on 26 minutes by a dazzling run from deep inside his own half by the electrifying Roberts which set up the position for Sam Tomkins to get second rower Harrison Hansen over. Sam Tomkins got on the inside of a break by O'Loughlin and Richards stretched out of a two-man tackle to grab his eighth try of the season.

Bradford coach Steve McNamara's harsh words at the interval clearly had the desired effect for the Bulls looked a transformed team in the second half, with playmaker Orford coming into his own. Stand-off Brett Kearney finished off a flowing handling move to become the first player to cross the Wigan tryline for more than two hours and three minutes later Orford bulldozed his way to the line for a second try.

Orford converted his own score to cut the gap to eight points and bring the crowd to life.

Bradford set up a tense finish when Orford wriggled free from Roberts' tackle to grab his second try.

He was unable to add the goal but when Roberts lost the ball attempting to clear his own line Bradford took advantage to strike the decisive blow through Hall. That tied the scores and Orford kept his composure to kick his third goal and secure a breathless victory.