Vainikolo feels blue

The world champions have six games to go until the real stuff begins - and they have to use that time to get Lesley Vainikolo back into top gear.

Because at this present time the Volcano is a shadow of the sensational winger whose capture in the winter from Canberra Raiders stunned the rest of Super League.

Defensively, he looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights - particularly under the high ball. Not surprisingly other teams have seized on this unexpected Achilles heel.

Like Leeds the week before, Halifax peppered Vainikolo's wing with kicks and enjoyed a fair bit of success until Brian Noble decided enough was enough and took off the Kiwi international ten minutes into the second

half.

On came Nathan McAvoy and the difference was immediate. He took all three catches that came his way and his only mistake was an errant pass that flew into touch.

But McAvoy made up for that blot on the copybook with a crucial pressure-relieving break from his own line when the Blue Sox were pushing to level the scores. And in the final minute he seized on the absence of injured backs Danny Haliwell and Colum Halpenny to slide into the corner for the Bulls' fourth and final touchdown.

It is the dip in form from Vainikolo though that must be giving coach Brian Noble his biggest headache as he plots a successful defence of the crown.

"Lesley had a bit of a cold prior to the game and is just lacking a little bit of confidence," said assistant coach Darrel Shelford. "It's just little things that will make him better. He'll keep working hard on those and he'll come back as the international player he is.

"One of the things about our squad is the competition and Nathan McAvoy came on and did very well. When we get our squad back fit it's going to be down to the best players."

While McAvoy did his post-season chances no harm, there was no doubt who really pressed his claims for more regular employment.

Leon Pryce has not been happy with a bit-part role this season. Before last night he had started only ten out of 23 games.

But with Robbie Paul given the week off to rest a sore ankle, Pryce was given the opportunity to shine - and how he took it.

Operating in Paul's stand-off berth, Pryce had a hand in pretty much everything and showed what a top talent he has become. He scored one try and had a part in all three others, throwing the gauntlet down.

With six days until St Helens arrive at Valley Parade, Pryce will have left Noble pondering about where best to accommodate him.

Perhaps a return to the wing may not be completely out the question, although Shelford feels his future is more central.He added: "The more Leon plays at six, the better he will become. It's taking every opportunity that comes his way and making a statement every time he does that. He showed he is capable of playing there and staying there."

After Paul Deacon's early penalty, Pryce influenced the Bulls' first real attacking intent in the eighth minute - only to see Michael Withers thwarted as he went over by the determination of home full back Stuart Donlan.

Video ref Dave Campbell ruled in favour of the Blue Sox - the first of four decisions, two for each side, which all went with the defending team.

Two minutes later Vainikolo was similarly denied after the cameras picked up a slight knock-on as he tried to finish a Withers pass in a move created by Deacon's 40/20.

The winger's frustration was compounded 60 seconds later as a grubber kick from the excellent Gavin Clinch which landed round his ankles slithered in and out of his grasp. Halpenny was on it in a flash kicking it

into the in-goal area and then pouncing to score.

Deacon trimmed the arrears after Shayne McMenemy conceded a needless penalty before the lead swung back to the Bulls midway through the half. Pryce, of course, was at the hub of things after Halliwell coughed up Deacon's shallow kick to Daniel Gartner.

Pryce attracted the Blue Sox cover before releasing the ball to Jamie Peacock and his wonderfully-timed pass sent in Naylor, although Deacon was unable to land the goal from the touchline.

Halifax sub Jamie Thackray nearly hit back within three minutes of coming on the field but again the eagle-eyed Mr Campbell picked up on a double movement by the prop.

The Bulls seized on that let-off by going in for their second try after Jimmy Lowes had got them in front of the posts. That man Pryce, at dummy half, followed up with a move straight from the Paul play-book as he shaped to pass out wide before ducking low and inside to score. Brian McDermott was denied a further effort for a forward pass by Lowes but at 14-6 at the break, they looked to have broken the back of their West Yorkshire neighbours.

Pryce began the new half with some silky football skills that nearly took him in.

Vainikolo's night was going from bad to worse. The video ref spared his blushes after being deceived by a kick and chase which was gathered in by Ryan Clayton before Lee Gilmour and Vainikolo did just enough to force the sub over the whitewash.

But one more blunder after 49 minutes when he spilled a pass proved enough for Noble and McAvoy was summoned. There was plenty of work still to be done.

Eighteen-year-old stand-off Liam Finn, making his home debut for the Blue Sox, cut the gap to six again and Halifax went hunting more success.

Forwards Johnny Lawless, earlier sinbinned, and Jim Gannon hammered away but the Bulls' goalline defence held firm and the home side didn't possess the pace to rip through.

McAvoy did with a break to halfway that punctured home morale before Pryce sent in Naylor to give the Bulls some breathing space. Six minutes from time the win was secured with a Deacon drop goal before McAvoy had the final say, although there was a suspicion of a forward pass from Gilmour.