Bradford Bulls Reserves staged a remarkable second-half turnaround to secure a thrilling 22-14 victory over Wakefield Trinity at the iconic Odsal Stadium last night.
The game kicked off with an early breakthrough by the visitors, as Joe Law found the right corner of the field to score the opening try after just nine minutes of play. However, the Bulls wasted no time in responding. A clever reverse kick by Flanagan Jnr set up a golden opportunity, and Jaden Barraclough seized the moment, diving on the loose ball to give the home team the lead.
Despite a temporary setback that saw the Bulls reduced to 12 men, the young squad displayed commendable resilience, holding their ground against a determined Wakefield side. Yet, just before the halftime whistle, the visitors managed to regain their advantage. A skilful move down the left edge culminated in a stunning acrobatic finish by the seasoned Tom Lineham, leaving the Bulls trailing once again.
The second half was marked by a series of high tackles from the Wakefield players, resulting in one of their own being sent to the Sin Bin. Seizing the opportunity, the Bulls capitalised on their numerical advantage. Masi Matongo, who had impressed throughout the contest, showcased his strength and determination as he powered past three defenders to touch down under the posts, boosting the home team’s spirits.
However, the game was far from over, and Wakefield Trinity swiftly retaliated. A looping pass from the Bulls was intercepted by Sam Kavanagh, who displayed incredible speed and agility as he raced the length of the field to once again put Trinity in the lead.
Nonetheless, Bradford Bulls refused to be deterred. Once more, Flanagan Jnr’s tactical kicking prowess came into play, as his precision kick found trialist Dom Waites, who coolly converted the opportunity into a crucial try.
As the match entered its final stages, both teams vied for dominance. It was the Bulls, however, who had the last word. Despite the close attention of three Wakefield defenders, Jayden Myers showcased his skill and determination, delivering a superb finish to score the final try of the evening, securing a well-deserved victory for the Reserves.
The Bradford Bulls Reserves undoubtedly demonstrated their mettle and potential in this fiercely contested encounter, delighting the home crowd and leaving Wakefield Trinity with much to ponder.
