BULLS captain Lee Smith praised his side’s defensive efforts that saw Bradford claim a 24-4 win over Newcastle Thunder at Odsal.

After their mid-season clash at Kingston Park, the Bulls knew a stern test was in order but tries from Brandon Pickersgill, Ethan Ryan and Dane Chisholm secured the two points.

Smith believes that the lessons learnt from such a test will provide the side with vital game experience ahead of the regular season's run-in.

“Against Coventry we didn’t start well, we looked to put that right this week yet Newcastle really made us work for it they are a tough side to play against,” said Smith.

“They showed a real team spirit which made the game so close, one try and they could have been back in it, we’re really pleased to pick up the two points but there is work to be done.

“Every team prides themselves on their defence, so to only concede one try against a really good Newcastle outfit is a plus, yet for once our attack let us down.

“We have two tough games coming up against Hunslet and York so we need to be clinical, we create a lot of chances which we need to convert into points.

“A few times in recent weeks we’ve worked into good positions for our attack to break down, we need to work on the basics and get back to what we know.

“These close games are the games you want to play in, fighting to win beyond the hooter sometimes, the hard-fought wins are the ones you enjoy the most.

“To experience a game like this is a massive help, it’s easy to get carried away with the big score lines so hopefully in the crunch games we have coming up we can handle the pressure.”

Bradford’s next fixture comes in the shape of tough away fixture to the South Leeds Stadium to face Hunslet RLFC.

The sides have met twice already this season, the Bulls coming out on top in both games yet Smith insists his side will not be taking the game lightly.

Gary Thornton’s side sit fifth on the ladder with just one defeat in their last nine games, providing another tough test for John Kear’s men.

“It’s always a tough place to go, they’ll be full of confidence going into the game their recent run of form has been impressive,” said Smith.

“There are a few new players from when we played them last so the one on one battles change, yet it will another tough game where we will have to work for the two points.

“They’re right up there near the top four, which is where the club belongs, with both sides going well in the past few weeks I can only imagine it making a competitive game.”