LEIGH Beattie has spoken of his delight after his Bulls Academy outfit secured a third successive win – hailing their desire and composure in a 28-12 victory at home to Wakefield.

Beattie’s Under-19s outfit went into the game on the back of impressive wins away at Newcastle Thunder and Castleford Tigers and made it three in a row at the Neil Hunt Memorial Ground

He said: “I am over the moon. We lacked a bit of composure in the first half but second half that was there.

“Defensively once again we were outstanding in that desire to defend for themselves and each other as a group.

“Communication is massive when you are under the pump especially and some smart talk between the lads helped them through.

“It is nice to get the win and full respect to Wakefield. There were two teams going at each other once again and that made for another high quality game.

“The boys let off some emotion after that win and I like the way they took on board what we spoke about at half-time.

“We had been working on our execution and our composure in the second-half saw us put points on – I like the way they fixed that up.”

A tight first half saw the Bulls narrowly trail at the break, with Sam Smith’s score the only reward for the hosts’ endeavour.

Harry Shackleton’s kick caused confusion in the Trinity defence and Smith took advantage to touch down – his second try in as many weeks following his reserves’ score last week.

Oli Greensmith’s try for the visitors produced a slender lead for Wakefield at the interval.

A fast start to the second half saw the Academy side set about restoring their lead and succeeded – Murphy Smith going over following a neat passing move.

Connor Bailey crashed over from close range for the visitors as the lead was passed between hands but that try seemed to galvanise the hosts.

Three unanswered scores followed – with Bradley Ho scoring for the first time in three years to kick-start a dominant period.

Winger Daniel McGrath’s try in the corner extended the Bulls’ lead heading into the final 10 minutes of the clash, before Ryan Butterworth’s late score sealed the spoils.

BRADFORD BULLS UNDER-19s: Alfie Goddard, Murphy Smith, Sam Smith, Ryan Butterworth, Danny McGrath, Matthew Race, Harry Shackleton, Keelan Foster, Cameron Berry, Ebon Scurr, Ethan O’Hanlon, Bradley Gallagher, Lochlan McGill. Subs: Luke Littlewood, Anesu Mudoti, Ryan Leadbeater, Bradley Ho, Will Adams, Connor Appleyard.

TRIES: Sam Smith (18), Murphy Smith (46), Bradley Ho (55), Daniel McGrath (64), Ryan Butterworth (73)

GOALS: Shackleton (4/5)