Scruton in clear to face Saints with Bradford Bulls (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Nick Scruton in clear to face Saints with Bradford Bulls

7:40am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Bulls By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Nick Scruton in action for the Bulls against Castleford

The Bulls were handed a major boost last night after Nick Scruton was cleared to play against St Helens at Odsal on Saturday.

The in-form prop had been facing a ban after being charged with a Grade B high challenge on Castleford scrum half Gareth O’Brien.

The incident happened in the fourth minute of Saturday’s 38-12 win over the Tigers and Scruton was called before an RFL disciplinary panel as a result.

But, although he was fined £300 after being found guilty of a reckless high tackle, Scruton escaped suspension when the panel opted to downgrade the offence to Grade A.

Scruton was accompanied at the hearing by head coach Francis Cummins and football manager Stuart Duffy, who had argued that the tackle was legal and to the shoulder of his opponent.

Meanwhile, Gerry Sutcliffe believes the Bantams’ fairytale success in reaching the Capital One Cup final can lay the platform for a wider renaissance in the city.

The Bradford South MP and Bulls co-chairman said: “As a former sports minister, I’ve always understood the power of sport in changing people’s lives and City’s success has certainly raised confidence in Bradford as a city.

“Many non-sporting people have spoken to me and said ‘this is just what we need, it keeps the momentum going’.

“I think we need to try and harness that to send a positive message to those who are only on the fringes.

“Come and support our clubs, whether that’s Bradford City, Bradford Bulls or Bradford Park Avenue. Through sport we can do great things.”

There had been talk of the Bulls’ squad and coaching staff attending Sunday’s showpiece at Wembley but that will not now happen due to the huge demand for tickets.

Nevertheless, Sutcliffe and Bulls owner Omar Khan, who is also an ambassador for the Bantams, will lead a team of Bulls directors to the game in support of Phil Parkinson’s men – a day after St Helens’ visit to Odsal for a Super League clash.

Sutcliffe said: “It’s fantastic for the city this weekend that we are playing one of the elite Super League teams in St Helens on Saturday before the trip to Wembley with City.

“Whatever the result of Sunday’s game, you cannot fail to be impressed by how City have managed to get there.

“We wish them well – anything can happen in 90 minutes and they have already proved they can beat Premier League opposition.”

Meanwhile, Cummins said yesterday that he was hopeful of Jamie Langley (groin) and Chev Walker (bicep) being passed fit to face Saints on Saturday as they bid to shake off knocks sustained against Castleford.