JOHN Kear seemed happier with his team's defence than their attack after Bradford Bulls won 54-4 at home to Keighley Cougars.

Ahead of the trip to West Wales Raiders on Sunday, the Bulls are still one victory behind York City Knights at the top of the Betfred League One table but are eight points better off in terms of points difference (plus 758 compared to plus 750).

Kear said after their ten-try romp: "You cannot do any more than score 50 points. Joe Keyes is dangerous and quick, and when he takes the line on he causes problems, and Jordan Lilley is smart at times.

"It has altered the points difference on York, and they have come away with a win (18-14 at Workington Town), which we thought they would."

However, he was disappointed with the Bulls' handling, saying: "The onus is on them to hold on to the ball when we carry the ball forward into collisions.

"We had a forward pass from dummy half and we dropped the ball three or four metres from their defensive line, and it is something that we will have to address."

Nevertheless there were hat-tricks for Ethan Ryan and man-of-the-match Tuoyo Egodo, while a brace for interchange George Flanagan took him up to 100 career tries.

There were also tries for Elliot Minchella and Joe Keyes, who added seven goals.

The Bulls' task was made easier when the experienced Brendon Rawlins was sent off in the 23rd minute for punching Minchella.

However, the 12 men of Keighley gave a plucky performance and scored a deserved try in the 79th-minute by Cameron Leeming.

Kear said: "Thankfully we defended our line really well. They had three or four penalties sets on our line and we showed resilience and closed the game out in the fullness of time."