Bradford Bulls 46, Salford 6; Match Report, by Nigel Askham.

Stuart Spruce served notice that he is still very much in the frame for Great Britain selection with a stunning two-try show as the Bulls added to Andy Gregory's woe.

Injury and a slight loss of form led to his absence from the side to face the Kiwis last Autumn but he's been as consistent as ever this season and was back to his rampant best as the Bulls rattled up their best Super League of the season.

Spruce would have completed a hat-trick but for a desperate late tackle by Reds winger Bobby Thompson who turned him on back in the opening half but it was his appetite for work which really caught the eye as he effectively gave the Bulls a seventh forward.

But Spruce admitted it had been a patchy performance by the side especially in the first half.

"I didn't think we went all that well in the first half but it was a matter of taking the game by the scruff of the neck and I think we did that more in the second half.

"I did not have much to do defensively which allowed me more scope to get in and join the attack which is really my game."

It was his first try which put the Bulls back on course after Thompson's neat score had can-celled out a Steve McNamara inspired try for Nathan McAvoy against his old club after only two minutes.

Henry Paul created the opening with some neat footwork and Spruce did the rest with a determined dash from 20 metres.

McNamara, who underlined his return to form with a confident 50 minute showing, then linked well with Stuart Fielden and pinned back his ears for his second try in as many games but the Reds spoiling tactics, which landed Craig Makin and Steve Blakeley in the sin-bin, made it a generally frustrating first 40 minutes.

Spruce's second within 40 seconds of the restart after neat approach work, first by Henry Paul and then by McNamara, took them 24-6 clear and killed off any lingering hopes the Reds may have had.

But although there was no doubting the effort the attacking machine never fully clicked into gear despite a strong finish by Warren Jowitt after nice early touches from subs Paul Deacon and Scott Naylor.

The quality of the remaining three touchdowns were functional rather than spectacular but try telling that to hot prospect Leon Pryce after his first senior try.

James Lowes kick through looked well covered by Gary Broadbent but he made a real hash of an attempted clearance and a joyous Pryce swooped for the touchdown his refreshing recent displays have richly deserved.

He had actually has his quietest afternoon for weeks but that was no reflection on centre partner Michael Withers who gave another highly competent show without being able to quite escape his marker.

Brian McDermott added a late score and Robbie Paul, who seemed content to hand on possession most of the afternoon, profited from more great work from Spruce but you couldn't help thinking there could have been a whole lot more.

It still provided a welcome boost for their points difference though and sends them up into the tricky match at Gateshead next Sunday with nine points out of ten since their St Helens nightmare.

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