Bradford Bulls coach Matthew Elliott rewarded his battle-weary troops with a six-day break after their impressive 39-10 win at Castleford last night kept them proudly at the top of the Tetley's Bitter Super League.

Despite being without four regulars through injury they managed to take their points haul to seven from a demanding four games in 15 days.

And the coach immediately handed them a well-earned rest before next Sunday's clash with Salford Reds at Odsal.

"I'm extremely satisfied," said Elliott. "It was the last match of an extremely tough campaign. We've had four big games and to drop just one point speaks volumes for the character of the players.

"We played exceptionally well against high-quality opposition. I think Castleford have a chance of knocking on the door for third place because that was as tough a game as we've had, although the scoreline didn't reflect that.

"I thought Paul Deacon held us together superbly and Robbie Paul had some good moments too. Stuart Fielden and Jamie Peacock, who had a very bright start to the game, played for the full 80 minutes and the sight of Paul Anderson must be horrible for the opposition.

"Hudson Smith came up with some good play too and it was nice to see so many players contributing. You can't lean on just one or two players against quality opposition."

But Elliott was unhappy with some sloppy play at times which kept the Tigers in with a chance until the final quarter.

"In the 20 minutes up to half-time we made seven errors in nine sets and we made it far too hard for ourselves. It is something we need to get out of our game."

Elliott reported that David Boyle had aggravated a knee injury and Brad Mackay was substituted ten minutes from time after taking another bang on the hand he damaged against Wigan last week.

"Nathan McAvoy took a knock on his other knee but hopefully the break over the next few days will help that settle down."

The Bulls' Academy side went down 38-30 to Castleford in the curtain-raiser.

Richard Colley, Vinny Myler, Ben Western, Stuart Rearden, Andy Smith and Nicky Johnson scored tries with Western landing three goals.

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