JOHN Kear has spoke of his delight after an “efficient” victory and is happy the Gods weren’t against Bradford Bulls.

His charges beat an in-form Batley Bulldogs side 16-0 – the first time Bulls have nilled a side all season.

The victory came at Odsal where the stadium’s infamous microclimate had fans donning their rain jackets and sunglasses all in an 80-minute period.

Kear said: “I’m absolutely delighted to tell you the truth.

“If somebody had said beforehand it’s a 16-0 win, I’d have snapped their hand off. We’ve had a tough period.

“I thought the Gods were against us when it absolutely siled it down just before the start.

“I thought, once again, that makes it a forward battle.

“Obviously they’re a big physical outfit are Batley, but I thought our players really applied themselves very well indeed.

“It wasn’t pretty, wasn’t entertaining, but it was efficient and all we needed today was to win and they’ve done it.”

The win is a welcome one, with the Bulls having struggled following their mammoth effort to knock Leeds Rhinos out the Coral Challenge Cup.

Since that victory, Kear’s men have dropped out of that competition, slumped in the league and were seen off by Barrow on Wednesday in the 1895 Cup.

Kear admits the defeats have been a challenge because of the types of games they are.

He said: “They’ve been very emotionally draining and there’s been high rewards for them. It does take it out of you.

“Obviously Wednesday took it out of us as well, because although it was a completely different squad, you’ve still to go up there as coaches and backroom staff and work hard for that.

“It will be good to get down to one game a week, having got back on the horse with regards to points in the league ladder.”

What was most impressive about the Bulls’ victory was their resolute defence and a strong team ethic.

Kear said the whole side should be commended but was particularly pleased with the performance of double try-scorer David Foggin-Johnston.

He added: “He’s developing really nicely – two good tries.

“With a bit more composure as well, I think he’d have had an assist when he attempted to kick inside but decided to kick the wrong ball. He’s played pretty well.

“We had Jake Webster spill the ball on the line.

“Dalton had half a chance. We split them at the end when Elliot Minchella put Kirky through.

“We had other guilt-edged chances and it could have been a different scoreline, but I’m not bothered.

“The scoreline that I’m most pleased about is the nil and I think we can take great heart from that.”