The Bulls suffered their second defeat of the season against Crusaders, losing 44-20 at the Racecourse Ground.

The scoreline may have been somewhat flattering but the result was just, although Bradford will be left to rue missed chances after they had cut the gap to four early in the second half.

Gareth Thomas opened the scoring after good work by Frank Winterstein before good ball movement and incisive running brought a try for Vince Mellars.

Weller Hauraki scored off a pass from Rhys Hanbury and Clinton Schifcofske converted all three to make it 18-0.

Bradford hit back when Chris Nero finished well in the corner and Dave Halley touched down to further cut the gap, Paul Sykes kicking one conversion.

Schifcofske kicked a penalty to give Crusaders a 10-point lead at the break before the two teams exchanged tries in the opening exchanges of the second half.

Mike Worrincy touched down for the Bulls off a superb angled running line but Tony Martin replied for the hosts, Sykes and Schifcofske kicking the respective conversions.

The Bulls enjoyed a long period of dominance and had they taken their chances, it could have been an entirely different story.

But Crusaders weathered the storm and scored through Hauraki, Nick Youngquest and Lincoln Withers to put the game beyond doubt before Elliott Whitehead claimed a late consolation.

Bulls: Dave Halley; Rikki Sheriffe, Joe Wardle, Chris Nero, Stuart Reardon; Paul Sykes, Brett Kearney; Nick Scruton, Heath L'Estrange, Glenn Hall, Mike Worrincy, Elliott Whitehead, Steve Menzies. Interchange: Danny Addy, Craig Kopczak, Steve Crossley, Wayne Godwin.

Crusaders: Clinton Schifcofske; Gareth Thomas, Tony Martin, Vince Mellars, Nick Youngquest; Peter Lupton, Rhys Hanbury; Ryan O'Hara, Lincoln Withers, Mark Bryant, Weller Hauraki, Jason Chan, Rocky Trimarchi. Interchange: Luke Dyer, Adam Peek, Ben Flower, Frank Winterstein.