Minus ten suddenly has warm glow as Bulls' revival begins

TEN below zero. It is not as cold as you think. Just ask the Bulls.

Docked 12 points by the Rugby Football League, the former Super League champions secured their first points of the season yesterday at Swinton Lions.

They may still be bottom of the Kingstone Press Championship but minus 10 definitely has a warm glow about it for now.

For back-to-back defeats in the opening two games against Hull KR and Rochdale Hornets had given supporters a worrying chill.

Buoyed by the arrival of internationals Scott Moore and Kevin Larroyer, led superbly by captain Leon Pryce, and inspired by a hometown hat-trick hero, Ethan Ryan, the Bulls revival has started.

New coach Geoff Toovey is still not 'officially' in charge but things are falling into place.

He was on the pitch before the game, vocal in his support from the touchline, and outside the dressing room at the final whistle to congratulate each and every one of his players.

Former England hooker Moore and French international Larroyer both made their debuts as the Bulls made four changes to the side beaten at home by Rochdale.

Moore showed his class and could be a real asset going forward. Larroyer, too, following his arrival on loan from Castleford Tigers.

Half back Joe Keyes made his first appearance of the season after recovering from a groin injury and there was also a first start for on loan Leeds Rhinos youngster Joshua Jordan-Roberts.

Jordan Lilley and Joe Lumb were missing due to injury, Liam Kirk dropped to the bench, and Brandan Wilkinson was omitted.

Both Vila Halafihi, who played on loan for Swinton last season, and Jonathan Walker made their first appearances of the season from the bench.

Former England international winger Lee Smith, meanwhile, was unavailable after joining the Bulls on Friday and there was still no sign of Samoan utility back Phoenix Humapo-Nofao whose debut is being delayed by paperwork.

Swinton, ninth in the Championship last season, had opened the 2017 campaign with a defeat against London Broncos and a narrow victory over Dewsbury Rams.

Coach John Duffy included four players who are on loan from Super League neighbours Wigan Warriors – Jack Higginson, Liam Forsyth, Tom Davies, and Romain Navarette.

Around 1,000 travelling fans descended on tiny Heywood Road, the home of National League Two North union side Sale FC, transforming the venue into a Bradford party hub.

The Bulls took the lead with six minutes gone after a great run from Oscar Thomas from his own line ended in a penalty inside the Swinton half. The ball made its way out wide to Ryan who dived over in the corner. Thomas was narrowly off target with the kick. 4-0. It was the ideal start.

Moore was looking impressive on his debut, pulling the strings in the middle of the park and bringing team-mates into play.

But Swinton began to get in the game and some swift passing along the line nearly brought a try for Thornley who was wrapped up in the corner by three Bulls players.

However, the pressure continued and Thornley eventually crashed over near the flag. Chris Atkin's conversion took a bounce off the post and Swinton led 6-4 with 16 minutes played.

For a period, Swinton looked to be getting on top but Thomas restored Bradford's lead with a try after great passing and vision from Leon Pryce. Thomas duly converted to make it 10-6.

Bradford's three quarter line began to impose their authority and Swinton were being pressed back.

Both Oakes and Oledzki were blocked close to the line after determined charges and Swinton were warned after conceding a string of penalties.

A high kick from Keyes found Ryan but he was well smothered by the Swinton backs.

Swinton fought back and Atkin released Shaun Robinson who was 'three on one' on the wing. He dived over for a try despite the best efforts of Thomas to block. Atkin missed the conversion.

The Bulls regained the lead quickly. Moore fizzed the ball to Thomas whose clever cross-field kick was juggled down by Ross Oakes before going over for a try. Thomas put the kick between the posts to give the Bulls a 16-10 lead.

Ryan denied Robinson a try just before the interval with a vital interception

Bradford fans were furious with referee Andy Sweet when he failed to send off Swinton's Sean Kenny for an off-the-ball challenge on Thomas who was chasing his own kick and about to burst clear. It got even worse moments later when Sweet 'missed' a drop-goal by Keyes.

The Bulls had every right to feel aggrieved but justice was served when James Mendeika went over in the corner for his first try of the season just before the break and Thomas converted to build a 12 point interval lead. 22-10.

Swinton came out for the second half firing on all cylinders. Thornley's try, converted by Atkins reduced the Bulls' lead to six points and lifted the home support.

Macani bundled Davies into touch to prevent Swinton scoring near the flag and the Bulls were under the cosh.

Defensively, the Bulls had started to creak and it was no real surprise when Jack Murphy found space between Mendeika and Macani to go over for his side's fourth try. Atkin's conversion levelled the scores and Swinton now looked the more likely winners.

But the Bulls were gifted a penalty when Kenny moved off the mark allowing Thomas to score from a penalty. 24-22.

Swinton's frustration spilled over and centre Higginson was sin-binned for a challenge around the head of Jon Magrin.

The game erupted into a mass brawl 16 minutes from end following an ugly challenge by Bracek

Punches were thrown from both sides. Swinton's Antony Bate was yellow carded – reducing his side to 11 men – and Colton Roche was also sin-binned.

The Bulls punished Swinton's indiscipline and increased the lead when Ryan went over. Swinton reacted by throwing further punches as the Bulls celebrated. Thomas missed the conversion.

Referee Sweet spoke to captains Thornley and Pryce as the behaviour threatened to get out of control.

Ryan completed his hat-trick ten minutes from the end with yet another classy finish near the flag. Thomas kicked between the posts. 34-22.

Thomas scored a drop goal to put the Bulls 13 point clear and there was still time for Swinton's Thornley to complete his hat-trick and Atkins to convert.

But when the hooter sounded, the joy on the faces of the Bradford players and supporters told its own story.