UPON making the short trip over to Belle Vue on Friday, March 13 2020, no way did I think it would be almost a year until we would see Bradford Bulls in action, albeit behind closed doors, again. Maybe there is something in that suspicious date after all.
Yes, everybody at that Betfred Challenge Cup tie was aware of the Coronavirus but life was still continuing as 'normal'. Social distancing and certainly face masks were not in play.
Before the match, the Premier League and EFL had buckled stating no football would be played until at least April 3, if only that had been true!
RFL chairman Ralph Rimmer believed rugby league should march on until any cases had been reported in the sport, three days later they would unfortunately follow suit.
On the pitch, John Kear's men were keen to repeat the glorious run of the previous year in English rugby league's top domestic competition.
That last-minute win over Featherstone and the tumbling of fierce rivals Leeds featured in a remarkable journey to the quarter finals.
On this freezing cold night, it was revenge that Bradford desperately craved, having not faced Wakefield Trinity since the Million Pound Game nightmare of 2015.
An underwhelming 22-0 win over amateur minnows Underbank Rangers set up the fifth round clash in front of the 3,112, now thankful, supporters.
The away team broke the deadlock through Jordan Lilley's third and final try of that unprecedented and strange season.
However, a classy Joe Westerman score and Jacob Miller's drop goal meant Wakefield boasted a one point lead going into the break.
Bulls started the second half like they begin the first, just more meaner. Former loanee Rowan Milnes showcased his talent with the boot before crossing the whitewash.
The prospect of upsetting the odds once again was short-lived though. Alex Walker and Reece Lyne were the culprits in breaking hearts of the visiting support.
Now-Bradford man Danny Brough hit the sticks during his conversion for the latter try to leave an eventual fruitless last 10 minutes.
The Championship outfit failed to muster anything of note and the encounter proved to be a a case of close but no cigar for the returning Kear.
At the time, a prediction that Bulls' 2020 campaign will soon disappear into smithereens would have been laughed at.
12 months later and the club's 2021 endeavours will begin with fans merely watching via OurLeague streams in this new world we now live in.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here