MATCH REPORT // Newcastle Thunder 12 v 28 Bradford Bulls

A frustrating scoreless first half sees Newcastle Thunder fall to defeat at the hands of Bradford Bulls on Magic Friday.

The fixture was the club’s biggest game of the season so far with a 2465 strong crowd in attendance, acting as a curtain raiser to the Super League’s Magic Weekend at St James’ Park.

Thunder struggled to get a foothold in the first half and didn’t fire any shots. They were held scoreless by a Bradford side who took their chances when presented to them.

Hooker Curtis Davies went close early on for Thunder only to be held over the line but any momentum for the hosts was squashed when the Bulls opened the scoring through David Foggin-Johnston.

Working the ball out wide, the visitors exploited the edge, and the winger was able to cross in the left corner. The try was unconverted, and the Bulls led 4-0 after just six minutes.

Despite some impressive defensive work from Thunder, winger Gideon Boafo with a key tackle on a Bradford fifth tackle being a standout moment, poor discipline saw the Bulls pile the pressure on the Thunder line.

Ultimately proving too much for Thunder, the Bulls broke through once more through Tom Holmes. The half-back found a gap in the line and stepped the last man to score under the posts. Declan Patton added the extras, and the visitors extended their lead to 10-0 on 17 minutes.

Moments later the Bulls were in once more, this time through Jordan Baldwinson. The prop-forward powered over from close range after a series of offloads from his side kept the ball alive. Patton converted and Bradford now led 16-0, with 20 minutes played.

This would prove to be the last score from the first half with little action taking place in the latter stages. Highlight moments would include Nikau Williams’ break for Thunder making good yardage upfield and a crucial intercept from the Bulls prevented a certain Thunder try.

Thunder came out fighting in the second half and found themselves on the scoresheet just minutes after kick-off.

Dual reg signing from Hull FC, Nick Staveley running a great line, collected the short ball and dived in under the posts. Williams converted and Thunder were back in the game, with the score now 16-4 in favour of the visitors.

Despite the quick start in hope of building momentum, it was the Bulls who scored next. Keven Appo with a burst of pace, broke the tackle and crossed on the left. Patton converted and the gap returned to 16 points with the Bulls leading 22-6 at 46 minutes.

Thunder would strike once more through another Hull FC loanee, Denive Balmforth. The hooker powered over after picking up from the base of ruck to score his third Thunder try in two games. Williams added the extras and the score now stood 22-12 to the Bulls.

Pushing to close the gap, Thunder kept pressing the Bulls’ line but couldn’t take advantage of the pressure built.

Ill-discipline once more proved costly for the hosts and the Bulls took full advantage through centre Kieran Gill. With 72 minutes on the clock, the former Thunder player got on the end of a kick-through and was judged to have got the ball down just before it went dead. Patton converted once more, and the score was now 28-12 to the Bulls.

Although Thunder pushed for another consolation score, it wasn’t to be, and the final score stood 28-12 to the visitors.

NEWCASTLE THUNDER SCORERS

TRIES: Nick Staveley, Denive Balmforth.

GOALS: Nikau Williams 2.

SINBIN: Mitch Clark.

BRADFORD BULLS SCORERS

TRIES: David Foggin-Johnston, Thomas Holmes, Jordan Baldwinson, Keven Appo, Kieran Gill.

GOALS: Declan Patton 4.

Attendance: 2465