Workington Town are still looking for their first points in the Betfred Championship after they lost 26-12 at home to Bradford Bulls.
Town were in the game for a long time but it was the Bulls’ extra quality which saw them through to the win.
Bradford had gone in front after eight minutes when Liam Tindall picked-up a loose ball and raced 40 metres for the try which was converted by Dec Patton.
But Town gradually started to enjoy pressure, orchestrated by Jamie Doran, and Alex Clegg almost stretched out to score in the corner.
The momentum was maintained and a great break by Doran opened-up the home defence for Marcus O’Brien to take a pass and go in under the posts. Carl Forber’s conversion levelled the scores.
Bradford regained the lead on 31 minutes when they got a second successive set on the home line. The lively Patton created the opportunity for Aaron Murphy to crash over and score. Patton converted.
Six minutes later they were in again. Muizz Mustapha broke down the middle of the field and had Thomas Doyle with him to take the pass and score. Patton converted for an 18-6 half-time lead.
Five minutes into the second-half Bradford increased their lead when Kieran Gill pounced from a play-the-ball and Patton put over his fourth conversion.
Town needed a quick score to get back into the game and with 20 minutes left they got the try which gave them hope. Matty Henson put in a little kick which came back off a Bradford defender and he picked-up to touchdown. Forber’s conversion edged them closer.
When Bradford were awarded a penalty on 68 minutes, Bulls coach John Kear was quick to send the massage out to take the kick and Patton duly obliged to give his side more breathing space.
