Bulls scrum half Paul Deacon took positive strides towards a senior return with an 80-minute work-out for their under-21 side against Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants at Odsal last night.

The England half-back landed six goals in an immaculate kicking display and looked more confident on attack as the game went on in a 32-22 win.

Boosted by an excellent display from Chris Thorman, the Gaints edged the first half 14-12, the Bulls' tries coming from full back Paul Sykes and substitute Craig Brown.

But Deacon then levelled the scores with a penalty and had a slice of luck when his attempted drop goal bounced off a post and fell invitingly into the path of loose forward Craig McDowell, who pounced for a crucial try.

Hooker Gareth Stanley then followed up his own kick to score before some slack defence allowed the Giants to cut the deficit to 26-22 with two quick tries.

But a sweet move in the closing minutes involving Michael Coates and Wes Singleton was finished off by winger Alex Wilkinson to seal victory.

Bulls Under-21s: Sykes; Langley, Redfearn, Singleton, Wilkinson; Coates, Deacon; Harmon Stanley, Birchall, Parker, Banks, McDowell. Subs: Brown, Handford, Hamilton, Johnson.

Giants: Cooper; Arnold, Bostock, Cardoza, Smith; Thorman, Moxon; Richardson, Hooson, Wilkes, Rice, Rourke, Leek. Subs: Crabtree, Plume, Smith, Bell.

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