Bradford Bulls: Delighted Cummins draws on the positives (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Bradford Bulls: Delighted Cummins draws on the positives
8:00am Monday 21st January 2013 in Sport
By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter
Two-try Brett Kearney looks to offload before he is sent crashing during the Bulls’ final pre-season warm-up match at Headingley yesterday
Francis Cummins declared there were “loads of positives” to take from the Bulls’ performance in yesterday’s 24-24 draw at Leeds in Danny McGuire’s testimonial match.
The Bulls took the game to the reigning Super League and World Club champions and were 18-0 and 24-14 in front before a late try from McGuire denied them victory.
Jarrod Sammut and Brett Kearney scored two tries apiece and James Donaldson made his first appearance after almost 12 months on the sidelines.
But it was the collective spirit and general competitiveness of his side which left former Leeds winger Cummins most satisfied.
“There were loads of positives,” said the Bulls coach. “I thought our middle men did really well because we’ve only got three props (Nick Scruton, Adam Sidlow and Manase Manuokafoa).
“We’re going to have to stick together this season but we’ve done that in the two friendlies and that’s been a real positive.”
Cummins began the match with Jamie Foster at full back and Sammut and Kearney in the halves, before putting Danny Addy alongside Sammut later in the game and switching Kearney back to full back.
The Bulls coach added: “We only had three props available, plus Chev Walker, but I thought they all did really well because Leeds had five and they rotated them pretty quickly.
“That was pleasing to know we went toe-to-toe with some pretty big players.”
Joint captain Heath L’Estrange and Jamie Langley missed out but Cummins said: “It was great to see James Donaldson back out there and he’s over the moon to get that first game under his belt. Heath had just rolled his ankle and might have been able to play at a push.
“We'll see how Jamie is but there were no other injuries.”
Comments(9)
UNBULLIEVABLE
says...
10:34am Mon 21 Jan 13
Bone_idle18
says...
11:30am Mon 21 Jan 13
VICTIMISATION
says...
12:14pm Mon 21 Jan 13
fraternise
says...
12:20pm Mon 21 Jan 13
Bone_idle18 wrote:It was fine, good playing surface a bit hard and slippy, no ice or snow on it at all , the ground staff and Leeds staffing are to be congratulated.
What was the sheddingl;y pitch like? I see the RFU have forced Leeds RU to replay a game due to the poor pitch at sheddingly!
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/sport/0/rugby-union
/21060205
If RU think the pitch is bad it must be really poor. I think leeds should be docked 16points immediately, a poor playing surface is far worse than going into administration!
But our team put up a top class performance.
COYB
bartsbull
says...
12:21pm Mon 21 Jan 13
We should have gone for the drop goal in the second half when they came back to us
But once again my main negative is why do lines men still not see forward passes Hicks penalised the play of the ball
But did not aknowledge two clear forward passes that gave Leeds the momentum
It was only a friendly but plenty to look at
Bone_idle18
says...
12:45pm Mon 21 Jan 13
VICTIMISATION wrote:How very observant of you, Thought it was strange that I was asking about the pitch after being there, then I realised, I didn't bother going. Glad you pointed that out.
I was going to comment but realised it was yet another non attendee posting.
Your posts on this site are pretty pathetic, hopefully you'll move on soon.
Mumby was the best
says...
2:45pm Mon 21 Jan 13
VICTIMISATION wrote:Don`t fall for this cretins goading, just ignore it.
I was going to comment but realised it was yet another non attendee posting.
Very encouraging display, need to steer clear of injuries and we may surprise a few doubters.
TBC/SLC52
says...
6:14pm Mon 21 Jan 13
Bone_idle18 says...
9:58am Mon 21 Jan 13
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/sport/0/rugby-union
/21060205
If RU think the pitch is bad it must be really poor. I think leeds should be docked 16points immediately, a poor playing surface is far worse than going into administration!