Celtic Crusaders Defeat Bradford Bulls 19-0
Bradford’s Bulls magic run of six victories was halted by Brian Noble’ Crusaders. Crusaders won as Murrayfield's Magic Weekend opener thrilled the crowd. The Wrexham based outfit impressed right through the match. Michael Witt of Crusaders scored 15 points. He made three conversions, a drop goal and two running in tries. At the halftime Crusaders were holding a lead of 13-0.
Not much spectators were present at Murrayfield for the Magic Weekend of Super League's fourth staging. The weather of Edinburgh was overcast and cooler than the norms at this time of the year. The game started in a mechanical manner with not much excitement for first 20 minutes.
Second half started in calm fashion, but 10 minutes before the close of play Jarrod Sammut, a fellow Aussie and Crusader’s substitute secured the win for his team at the expense of Bradford Bulls , who are currently placed a fifth position. It was Sammut's first game of Super League after a 6 month break because to ankle surgery. "He got off the plane at 10 o'clock yesterday but it seems like he's been part of the team all season," said Noble. "He can play. He's got the X-factor."
Gareth Thomas, former rugby union captain of Wales was also seen with a series of excellent runs. "He looked every part a rugby league player," said Noble of Thomas. "He's just five games into his rugby league career, what a transition! Sometimes it takes 12 or 18 months but it shows his rugby acumen and reinforces the fact all our clubs should look at rugby union."
Thomas said: "It was a weird sensation because I was here a couple of months ago with the Cardiff Blues and I changed in the same place”."It was a strange old feeling but I'm loving every minute of being part of this team and I'm loving every minute of playing this game.
In the second half Bradford had plenty of possession, but they couldn’t convert it. Bradford came close to pulling back. The closest they came to score was 12 minutes before close of play when Brett Kearney missed the chance went over in the left corner lost the ball.
Bradford Bulls coach Steve McNamara, made some changes to his team which didn’t help their cause. Michael Platt was replaced by Jason Crookes after getting injured in the warm-up and Matt Orford went off with a shoulder injury during the game.
Bradford, couldn’t scored for the first time in four years, were irritated throughout by determined defence of Crusaders. They started well with Paul Sykes and Chris Nero creating good runs but Crusaders defended well. Vince Mellars also got an opportunity, but missed the chance. Noble said "Bradford have been in such good form, I knew we would have to be good to beat them and I thought we were very good."
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