Bradford Bulls 44, Warrington Wolves 20; Nigel Askham reports from Headingley.

Stand by Edinburgh - the Bulls army are on their way and in the mood to party.

That was the message loud and clear from Headingley after they overcame a spirited challenge from Warrington to ultimately stamp their authority on this rousing semi-final.

Down 14-8 inside the opening half-hour and struggling to contain the Wolves' more expansive game a big upset became a distinct possibility.

Man of the match Henry Paul admitted: "Credit to Warrington. They had to be better than last week and they were. They came out and really rattled us and for a ten to twenty minute spell they had us on the back foot.

"Our game plan this week was to tough it out for the opening 60 minutes and then in the last quarter our fitness would show through."

And that's just how it worked out.

The Bulls' 18-14 advantage had looked somewhat precarious for a spell with Stuart Spruce pulling off one crucial tackle on Allan Langer and seconds later Jon Roper's pass to Mark Forster going behind the veteran winger with the line open.

But tough it out they did before Michael Withers delivered what proved to be the killer blow.

Withers' predatory instincts were well to the fore again as Danny Farrar unexpectedly spilled the ball in Bernard Dwyer's tackle and he picked up well before finishing with his customary confidence.

Messrs Nikau, Langer and Penny were all left flat-footed by the deceptive Aussie, but he had to suffer more video referee agony before the celebrations could begin.

"Looking at the screen brought back memories of the Grand Final and I thought 'Oh no, not again.' The only question was whether Bernard had touched the ball in the tackle. But it worked out OK in the end."

Withers had been quiet on his return to the side after injury but his uncanny knack of producing crucial tries make him such a key member of the side.

"Matt told us to attack their right side and for me and Leon to hold our positions and keep our wits about us. I had been a bit quiet but fortunately I took the opportunity when it came along."

After that there really was no holding the Bulls, especially when Justin Brooker showed just how much quality in depth there is in the squad with a great finish two minutes later.

Brooker had acted as the bloodied Robbie Paul's stand-in on two occasions up to that point, but when he finally replaced Stuart Spruce he struck in great fashion.

Receiving from the skipper he showed a nice turn of speed before cutting inside Penny for his third try in two outings.

Ian Knott did manage to briefly stem the tide when he crossed after a fortunate bounce off Stuart Fielden but Henry Paul and Jamie Peacock ensured the Bulls ended a on high.

But the final score did scant justice to the Wolves' brave effort which made sure the Bulls had to dig into reserves which have remained untapped so far this season.

Despite Scott Naylor's early effort they had opened much the brighter and scored with as sweet a planned move as you will see all season.

Briers and Nikau worked a great run-around and the stand-off sped away before feeding McCurrie, who had acted an as initial decoy, and he coasted in.

And when he added a second off Allan Langer's pass past a wrong-footed defence the Bulls were looking decidedly shaky.

But Robbie Paul had other ideas after a spell having stitches inserted in a mouth wound as he produced a dazzling solo try.

"I had just had a 15 minute break. They had shocked us and I came back from the changing room really fired up.

"I can't take all the credit for the try as there were players running off the ball and creating space for me. That is the sign of a successful side."

It was further evidence of his return to top form, though, and when Stuart Spruce turned Langer and Forster inside out for another classy finish just before the break the Bulls had built the platform for victory.

There were still some shaky moments but their extra power and class was simply irresistible and overall they look better placed than ever to finally shake-off that chokers tag.

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