Bulls coach Brian Noble paid tribute to his Challenge Cup heroes and admitted his side were "running on ether" as they withstood a late Leeds onslaught to lift the Powergen Challenge Cup.

Just a Paul Deacon penalty separated the two sides at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium as the closest final of the modern era reached a fascinating and dramatic climax, with the Bulls hanging on to clinch victory

22-20 against arch-rivals Leeds.

"I'm sick of losing these close games," said a delighted Brian Noble after the match,

"It's nice to come away with a big W after our name. These players were outstanding, they were on the rack, running on ether, I don't know where they found the strength from to carry on.

"To be ultra-honest we didn't play to the level we are capable, but I don't want to take anything away from the players.

"We showed the mental strength to hold on and our defence was superb. I am absolutely delighted."

But the sweet taste of victory has been soured after their Yorkshire rivals made an official complaint to the RFL over referee Russell Smith's handling of the pulsating encounter.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said he felt "badly let down" by Smith's handling of the game, which featured a series of close calls which went in favour of both sides. Coach Daryl Powell also complained about the official in the post-match press conference.

The Bradford players have been quick to dismiss the complaints, preferring instead to concentrate on the victory which puts to bed the agonising memories of their Grand Final defeat to St Helens last October.

First-half tries by Robbie Paul and Lesley Vainikolo were cancelled out by efforts from Chris McKenna and Gary Connolly with the video ref called in for three of the four scores - while both sides had a try disallowed.

After the break Jamie Peacock dived over in the corner and Deacon held his nerve with a touchline conversion. A penalty was added to give Bulls an eight-point lead, reduced to two by a converted David Furner score.

Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfield then shunned the opportunity to take a certain two points, choosing not to kick a penalty with five minutes to play and victory was Bradford's.

And Jimmy Lowes, playing in his last Challenge Cup final, was offered the chance to lift the trophy by skipper Paul to crown a magnificent day for Noble's men.