Bulls battle back for draw
James Evans' late try rescued a point for Bradford after Leeds had threatened to ruin the Bulls' centenary celebrations.
By Rob Lancaster
Last Updated: 03/09/07 12:29am
James Evans' last-gasp try rescued a point for Bradford after Leeds had threatened to ruin their centenary celebrations.
Paul Deacon was unable to convert the centre's score from the touchline, meaning both sides had to settle for a point apiece after a hard-fought Yorkshire derby.
The Rhinos had appeared on course for a second win at The Grattan Odsal Stadium this season thanks to a brace from Scott Donald.
The winger pounced on two kicks from Danny McGuire to put the visitors ahead after they had trailed 8-0 at half time.
Healthy cushion
A converted Andy Lynch try after 15 minutes and a Deacon penalty gave the Bulls a healthy cushion after a first 40 minutes which had seen them dominate.
Their lead could have been even greater had it not been for some sterling Leeds defence, former Bradford favourite Jamie Peacock twice producing try-saving tackles to deny his former employers.
David Solomona also had a score ruled out for failing to ground the ball, as Leeds were fortunate to only be behind by a single-figure margin at the break.
Coach Tony Smith may have had a few harsh things to say to his troops in the dressing room and they responded by grabbing the first try of the second half, albeit in controversial circumstances.
Video Referee Richard Silverwood awarded a penalty try after adjudging that Bulls full-back Michael Platt had ripped the ball out of Matt Diskin's grasp during a two-man tackle.
Controversial decision
The official's decision was not a popular one with the home crowd who felt the Leeds hooker had been losing the ball in the process of trying to ground it over the line.
Kevin Sinfield converted to cut the gap to two, only for the Bulls to bounce back with a try from centre Ben Harris.
However, Donald twice ducked in on the left to edge Leeds ahead for the first time on the night, McGuire's boot setting up the Australian's scores.
Sinfield managed one conversion but was off target with the other, as well as a long-range penalty, giving Bradford the chance to climb off the canvas and stun their rivals with a late blow.
Solomona's long pass put Evans in to level matters, though the draw means the Rhinos now need just a point in the final two weeks of the regular season to clinch second spot.
engage Super League
Bradford (8) 16.br>Tries: Lynch, B. Harris, Evans.
Goals: Deacon 2
Leeds (0) 16.br>Tries: Donald 2.
Goals: Sinfield 2.
Att: 18,195
