BRADFORD Bulls Under-19s returned to action for the first time in 426 days on Friday evening – running a strong Wigan Warriors side close until late on in a 48-16 defeat.

A frantic opening to the game saw both sides notch two scores apiece in the opening 12 minutes.

The Cherry and Whites added two further tries to the board before the break, but Lewis Camden added a penalty for Bradford to leave them only 18-10 down.

After the interval, Kieron Wilkinson went over for Wigan, before Sam Arundel then reduced the arrears for the young Bulls, scoring a try.

But Wigan then scored five tries in the closing stages despite a battling display from Leigh Beattie’s side.

Head of youth Beattie led his side out after a year out of action due to the coronavirus pandemic and will have been pleased with aspects of his side’s performance.

A fast start from Wigan saw Zach Eckersley touch down in the opening set with hooker Tom Forber extending the visitors’ advantage.

A Bradford kick-off then caused confusion among the Wigan back line, with Will Adams taking a bouncing ball to touch down.

The other Adams, Lewis, then got in on the action, scoring an eye-catching effort to bring Bradford back into contention.

Wigan then hit back with two more tries, through Jack Taylor and Eckersley, to regain their advantage before the break.

Camden kicked his first two points of the night after a late hit, to reduce the scores on the hooter.

Wigan started the second period as they did the first, with Wilkinson scoring after just 30 seconds.

Fast hands from Isaac Coleman and Myles Lawford then put Arundel through a gap, in what was the most eye-catching try of the night.

With Bradford tiring, Wigan took full advantage and hit the young Bulls with four tries to settle the game through Ben O’Keefe, Umyla Hanley, Logan Astley and Matthew Nicholson.

There was time for one last Wigan try with Jack Bibby touching down on the hooter to seal an opening round win for the visitors.