Rugby League: Bulls trample Broncos in eight-try rampage; LONDON 0

BRADFORD Bulls opened up a four-point gap at the top of the Super League after a comfortable eight-try romp over the injury-hit Broncos at Welford Road.

It was the second time the Bulls had got the better of the Broncos at the home of Leicester Rugby Union club after winning an "on the road" fixture 19-16 two seasons ago.

But Bradford captain Robbie Paul hit out at the state of the Welford Road pitch after forwards Jamie Peacock and Paul Anderson both picked up ankle injuries.

Paul said: "The pitch was a cabbage patch and the ground was uneven. We had to be patient because they are good defensively, but 'nilling' the opposition sends out a message to the rest of the competition."

The Broncos, missing eight regulars including full-back Richie Barnett and captain Jason Hetherington, put up a spirited effort but were outclassed.

London gave a debut to 18-year-old Iain Morrison, who came off the bench to join fellow youngsters Steffan Hughes, Olu Iwenofu and Yusef Sozi, but they could do little to stop the Broncos sliding to their heaviest Super League defeat.

It took Bradford just two minutes to cross the London line when fullback Michael Withers made the initial break and some slick handling allowed powerful centre Shane Rigon to cross in the corner.

Six minutes later, a delightful pass by Henry Paul allowed Peacock a clear run to the line, with Paul on target with both conversions.

The Broncos failed to make any impression in the opening exchanges as they made numerous handling errors and it was no surprise when they fell further behind.

Some poor defence by London allowed Stuart Fielden to blast through three tackles to score in the 25th minute to make it 16-0.

London's cause wasn't helped when prop-forward Justin Dooley was sin-binned four minutes before half-time but despite that, the Broncos did cross the Bradford line but scrum-half Dennis Moran was held up on his back.

Bradford emphasised their superiority straight after the restart with two tries in the first six minutes.

Henry Paul's kick caused confusion and Daniel Gartner grabbed the ball through a ruck of players and Paul converted.

Withers then took advantage as more gaps appeared in the defence to slide over in the corner to increase the lead to 26-0.

Bradford completed a comfortable victory with three tries in the final 14 minutes from Tevita Vaikona, Paul Deacon and Lee Gilmour.BRADFORD: Tries: Rigon, Peacock, Fielden, Gartner, Withers, Vaikona, Deacon, Gilmour. Goals: Henry Paul five.

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