Cummins thrilled with Bradford Bulls win but now wants to build momentum (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Francis Cummins thrilled with Bradford Bulls win but now wants to build momentum

7:50am Monday 2nd June 2014 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall , Bradford Bulls Reporter

Francis Cummins could not hide his delight after the Bulls beat relegation rivals Wakefield 20-12 to give their Super League survival prospects a massive boost.

Adrian Purtell scored twice either side of a try from Tom Olbison to establish a 16-0 interval lead during a vibrant first-half display from Cummins’ men.

The Wildcats hit back through Matt Ryan’s second-half brace but they lost former Bradford prop Richard Moore to the sin-bin for fighting and the outstanding Luke Gale kicked two second-half penalties to seal a potentially priceless victory.

Head coach Cummins said: “The first-half performance really laid the platform. I can’t often say this about Odsal but it was stinking hot and the players played the conditions well.

“They troubled us with the offload but we looked really assured and were doing what we planned to – really believing – which is pleasing.

“The second half was tough and they probably had more sets because we didn’t start great and although Wakefield have got some players missing – as have we – they still have some very good players.

“You could see us get a little bit edgy and the fans sensed that and we tightened up a bit and came up with some plays that we didn’t need to.

“I’m going to enjoy it (the win) but I’m not going to get too high. We’ve got a tough Challenge Cup quarter-final coming up against Warrington now and we need some momentum to get us where we want to be in a fortnight when we go to Salford.”

The Bulls now face an anxious wait to discover the outcome of their points appeal on Wednesday and it remains to be seen whether a verdict will be reached on the same day.

Cummins acknowledged that all focus will now be put on the outcome of the midweek hearing but he insisted: “I’m not wasting my emotions on things like that. I’m focusing on making things better on the field.

“My job is to get those lads in the best shape I can. If we get points back, then great, if we don’t we just have to focus on the job in hand.

“I don’t know all the information about the administration, so all I can do is concentrate on what I can do. But I’ll deal with that on Wednesday.”

The Bulls were boosted by the return of Jamal Fakir, Matt Diskin, Matty Blythe, Chev Walker and Dale Ferguson yesterday.

Luke Gale enjoyed a fine game and had a hand in all three of the Bulls’ tries, with Cummins saying: “Although last week was a low point, we knew the cavalry was coming and they all played their part.

“Luke Gale came up with some nice plays and Tom Olbison ran some great lines.”

Antonio Kaufusi’s loan expired after yesterday’s game but Cummins is hoping to secure an extended spell for the Huddersfield prop.