Dewsbury 16 Bradford Bulls 42

Luke Gale provided the inspiration as the Bulls destroyed Dewsbury Rams in a seven-try victory at the Tetley’s Stadium.

The debutant scrum-half scored twice and was pivotal throughout as Mick Potter’s men showed their mettle with the new season just a fortnight away.

Bradford were 30-0 up and in total control at the break after running in five tries in an exhilaratingly high-tempo display.

New signing Adrian Purtell touched down inside the fourth minute and Gale scored twice either side of a clinical finish from Shaun Ainscough.

Paul Sykes was also on target during the opening 40 minutes before the game became more scrappy after the restart.

Yet Phil Joseph capped an outstanding individual display with a try and Tom Burgess took Bradford’s try tally to seven, although spirited Dewsbury hit back with tries from Ryan Esders, Adyn Faal and George Flanagan.