Leeds Rhinos Under-19s 32 Bradford Bulls Under-19s 10

BULLS suffered a derby defeat at the hands of their local rivals on a bitterly cold night at Stanningley Park.

In their opening fixture, the Bradford youngsters struggled to string together a full 80-minute performance as Leeds made it two from two in the league.

Rhinos started the quicker, racing into a 10-0 lead through tries from Harvey Whiteley and Tyler Dupree and a conversion from Harvey Spence.

Yet Bradford managed to weather the storm, even with 12 men after Matt Fletcher was sin-binned as tempers flared.

A quick-fire double from Bulls winger Ryan Butterworth dragged his side back into the game, Alix Stephenson’s conversion being enough to lock the scores at 10-apiece.

However, Bradford could not hold out until half-time, winger Ben Markland grabbing Rhinos' third try to give his side the interval lead

The second half was a tough affair as both sides made a good account of their defence, limiting each other to possession in the middle of the park.

Chasing the game, Bradford were held up multiple times over the Rhinos line but never found a clinical play to capitalise on their field position.

Leeds saw out the game, controlling the play before adding tries through Harry Newman and Harry Georgiou, who crossed twice. Spence and Cameron Smith shared the kicking duties to make it 32-10.

The young Bulls' attentions now turn to next week’s fixture against St Helens.