The Bulls sealed the Minor Premiership against closest rivals Leeds last night with a thrilling 22-21 victory.

It earned them a home Qualifying Semi-Final in the Play-Offs and edged them yet closer to a historic double.

A hard-fought battle between the two Super League heavyweights looked to be heading for a draw, when the trusty right boot of Paul Deacon delivered a knockout blow to Leeds as his superb drop-goal sealed a classic victory with just two minutes remaining.

Despite a spirited display by Daryl Powell's side, the Bulls once again proved too strong and placed further emphasis on their continued dominance of a Leeds side who they have now emerged victorious over four times this season.

Coach Brian Noble proudly declared: "I'm absolutely delighted for the players. How they've performed all year has been reflected in the fact they've finished top of the ladder in what is, as everybody is saying, the most competitive league we've ever had.

"And to do it with two games to go is a special achievement on the players' part. We've been through adversity throughout the year, like other teams, so I'm delighted to finish top."

The Bulls have now finished top of the table four times in eight years of Super League and have the League Leaders' Shield to add to their Challenge Cup triumph.

And Noble is now staying fully focused on his side's remaining two games and forthcoming Play Off Semi Final as they aim to complete the first-ever Cup and Grand Final double at Old Trafford on October 18.

The Bulls boss is acutely aware that the League Leaders' Shield is a mere sideshow compared to the Holy Grail of Grand Final silverware.

Assessing the merits of the Minor Premiership victory, Noble said: "I'm not too fussed to be honest. That might sound a little bit indignant, although it's not meant to be because I'm delighted for the players to have finished top.

"But it means nothing in the scheme of things other than the fact we've secured home-field advantage and we've secured our semi-final place and to go through with just one game. The Minor Premiership is great but we haven't achieved the silverware yet."

Lesley Vainikolo made a try-scoring return to the side which, along with tries from Stuart Reardon and Deacon's classy opener, allowed the Bulls to edge five points clear at the Super League summit, making their lead now unassailable with just two games remaining.

Vainikolo paid tribute to the passionate 21,102 crowd, which was a record fourth 20,000-plus crowd in a season since Super League began. He said: "The support was awesome and when the fans perform like that, we play like that - playing until the last minute and giving the fans what they want."