March 14, 2020

Trinity 17-14 Bradford

Match report by Emma Holley

Trinity booked their place in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup on Friday, as they clinched victory against Bradford Bulls, 17-14, on home soil. 

Both Danny Brough and David Fifita successfully returned from injury for the cup clash, as Trinity claimed a win; and will breathe a sigh of relief to have made it into the sixth round draw. 

It was a spirited performance from the Bulls, and John Kear’s men would be the ones to open the scores, when Jordan Lilley went over twenty minutes in. 

The young half-back proved himself to be a one to watch, as he stepped past three Trinity defenders to touch down. 

Eight minutes later, Trinity hit back through Joe Westerman who crashed over after taking in Danny Brough’s pass, and regathering the ball. 

Miller then slotted a drop goal over seconds before the break, to edge his side 7-6 in front. 

Rowan Milnes kicked a penalty to put the Bulls in the lead once again at the start of the second half, and it wasn’t long before the youngster got himself on the scoresheet too. 

Bradford’s second try came from Milnes’ own grubber kick, which rebounded off the post pad and caused confusion for the Trinity defenders. 

With the rugby league rule of never let a ball bounce, this proved costly for Trinity when they didn’t adhere, as Milnes was then there to pounce on the loose ball, and capitalise. 

As the hour mark approached, Bill Tupou found space on the left edge, before sending Tom Johnstone racing away. 

An angled kick inside from the winger allowed Alex Walker to collect, who crossed to bring Trinity just one point behind on the scoreboard. 

Bradford fought all the way, matching their Super League opposition, and were almost set to celebrate a try when David Foggin-Johnston broke away.

But collective efforts from Tom Johnstone and Bill Tupou brought him down, and ensured a result was still in reach.

And it was Reece Lyne to the rescue ten minutes from time, as a one-two play with Jay Pitts sent him over the try-line to claim the fifth round win. 

With a return to league action next weekend, Trinity will now be focussing on their trip to Bootham Crescent in York next Sunday, where they will face newly promoted Toronto Wolfpack for the first time. 

Trinity: Walker, Tupou, Lyne, Atkins, Johnstone, Miller, Brough, Arona, K. Wood, Tanginoa, Ashurst, Pitts, Westerman. Subs: Fifita, King, Green, J. Wood. 

Tries: Westerman (28), Alex Walker (60), Lyne (70). 

Goals: Brough (2/3)

DG: Miller (1/1) 

Bulls: Pickersgill, F-Johnston, Dawson-Jones, Brown, Oakes, Milnes, Lilley, Hallas, Gallagher, Rooks, Cross, Flanagan, England. Subs: Nzoungou, Doyle, Hodgson, Scurr. 

Tries: Lilley (20), Milnes (48)

Goals: Milnes (3/3)