betfred premier league
St. Helens (4) 26
try: Wright, Sironen, Mariners, Felt, Cross Target: Hastings
Bradford (10) 22
try: Ryan, Wayne 2, Akers Target: Huli
St Helens recovered from an early second half deficit to earn a hard-fought win over Bradford Bulls in the Super League.
The home side found themselves 12 points behind after the break but sealed victory with Deon Kroos’ strike in the final five minutes.
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Early scores from Shane Wright, Curtis Sironen, Tristan Sailor and Kyle Feldt helped the Bulls beat a Bulls team that played much of the second half with 12 men after Eliot Peposhi was sent off.
Saints’ third win in a row moved them level on points with second-placed Warrington, while Bradford had won two and lost two of their previous four games to move back into the top flight in fifth.
This was the first Chinese Super League clash between the two sides in 12 years. The two sides had competed for the finals in 1999 and 2002, and it proved to be an exciting contest.
Wright’s third try of the season gave Saints an early lead but the visitors responded well to take the lead at the break.
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Luke Hooley’s perfect Gruber kick set up Ethan Ryan’s equaliser, and Hooley kicked out his side after David Klemmer was sent to the bin for the 300th time of his career.
The Bulls, with their extra man, extended their lead to six points again through Connor Wynn.
At the other end, Esan Marsters produced a last-ditch effort to deny the home side an equalizer.
Shortly after the restart, Wayne’s brilliant breakaway put the Bulls ahead by 12 points before St Helens’ counterattack began.
Shots in quick succession from Sironen and Sailor – the former confirmed following review – brought the home side level and when Peposi was sent off shortly afterwards it looked like there could only be a winner.
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Felt’s score left no doubt that this was going to be one-way traffic, with only the Bulls able to capitalize on the Saints’ sinister innings – this time from Joe Shorrock – and take the lead again through Andy Akers.
The Bradford backline put in a strong performance for nearly 10 minutes, including forcing the ball out of play, and St Helens looked certain to score from a corner thanks to the efforts of five defenders.
However, Kroos’ late error secured victory and extended the Bulls’ wait for an away win against the Saints to 17 years.
St. Helens: Mariners; Felt, MacDonald, Cross, Murphy; Whitby, Hastings; Delaney, Clark, Kramer; Sironen, Wright, Shorrocks
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Transfer: Hosts: Robertson, Whitley, Stephens
Bradford: Akins; Wayne, Masters, Black, Ryan; Hooley, Milnes; Chamberlain, Mailer, Fulton; Sutton, Akers, Lewis
Transfer: Doro, Douglas, Halas, Perbosch
referee: Jack Smith.
What’s next?
Both teams will compete in the Challenge Cup next week.
St Helens visit Castleford on Saturday 14 March (18:00 GMT), while Bradford visit Premier League table toppers Wigan Warriors on Friday 13 March (20:00)
