Bradford Bulls 40, Salford Reds 18; Nigel Askham at Odsal.

A patched-up Bulls outfit ensured skipper Graeme Bradley went out on a high in his farewell Odsal appearance.

And with perfect timing the veteran Aussie produced the biggest cheer of the night when he notched the side's seventh and final try of the night before making an emotional farewell speech.

"It's been a pleasure and a privilege to play here for the past three-and-a-half years and I'll be doing my best to make it last for another four weeks," said Bradley ahead of next week's play-offs.

But, as well as a re-shuffled unit moved at times, it will clearly take a step up in intensity and a mighty effort to progress beyond Friday's elimination semi-final against in-form St Helens at Knowsley Road.

Having said that there was still plenty to admire, albeit against a Salford side who were also fielding a weakened line-up.

Pride of place went to Paul Deacon who moved confidently throughout and was rewarded with a try-double. Named on the teamsheet in the hooking role he was spared the prospect of having his baby-faced appearance re-arranged in the scrums and concentrated instead on playing a key organising role.

He linked well too with Robbie Paul who produced his best effort for a number of weeks in the scrum-half role he favours and is set to occupy next term following the arrival of brother Henry.

But while many are looking to the Kiwi brothers to light the fuse in 1999, Deacon has benefited greatly from his rapid promotion to the senior squad and that should stand him in good stead.

The 19-year-old struck twice before the break, first with a determined charge from acting half-back and later when he followed up his own grubber kick to profit from Gary Broadbent's error.

Paul had set the ball rolling with a great diagonal run which saw him use Bradley and debutant winger Leon Pryce as foils to dart over.

Pryce missed out on that occasion but the 16-year-old could be well pleased with his contribution taking one Josh White bomb with great aplomb and showing growing confidence to underline his undoubted potential.

But it wasn't until the later stages of the half that the Bulls took charge after Broadbent and David Bradbury had scored with alarming ease.

But the impressive Neil Harmon's first try for the club and Deacon's second of the night plus a Steve McNamara penalty eventually gave them a 12-point buffer at the break and once Bradbury had been dismissed close to the hour for a wild attack on Harvey Howard they really drove home their advantage.

Despite fears of serious injury Howard showed his commitment to the cause with his first try in the club's colours - turning the clock back to his days as a winger with Widnes with a fine finish from 30 metres.

McNamara also celebrated his first of the campaign in a match tally of 14 points which took his career total through the 1,000 barrier.

It was fitting through that Bradley should have the final say and it was nice to see his key contribution to the club's development being recognised on the terraces where he has had his share of criticism this season.

Paul Medley too received deserved applause after his nine-year stint at Odsal although he may still be around next season with talk of him featuring as an over-age player in the new under-21 side.

But both players will be hoping their distinguished careers may still have a sting in the tail starting at Knowsley Road.

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