Coach Matthew Elliott today praised the Bulls heroic defence as they held off a determined late London Broncos challenge at Odsal last night to keep the pressure on Super League pacesetters Leeds and Wigan.

The champions were below par going forward and were forced to hang on in the dying seconds to clinch a 17-14 success.

But Elliott said: "It was certainly a brave performance but not a smart one.

"I am just delighted we have won for our supporters."

Assistant Brian Noble picked up the theme. He said: "We certainly won't have to get out the tackling shields next week we did so much backs to the wall stuff."

Referee Steve Presley frustrated the Odsal crowd by allowing London plenty of latitude at the play the ball and in their defensive line to frustrate the Bulls for long spells. "It was a concern because London were able to stand so far up on us that we just could not get moving on attack but we will not use that as an excuse.

"We know we must do better going forward but we have to be happy with the result in the circumstances," Noble said.

The Bulls have one injury scare with Danny Peacock picking up a blow to the knee.

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