Teenage kicks

Match Comment, by Nigel Askham.

Bulls fans will need clearer evidence than this that their dream of Grand Final glory is a realistic one.

But after a run of three defeats and the traumatic departure of Shaun Edwards it was at least a positive step forward.

Most encouraging of all was a togetherness which has not always been apparent in recent weeks but they still aren't scoring too highly on artistic merit.

You couldn't help thinking that during their best spell last season they would have taken the opposition to the cleaners but after a virtual point-a-minute opening quarter which promised much they slipped back into old habits.

On the plus side though they appear to have unearthed two great assets for the future.

It's a bit much asking two teenagers to lead their fight for an Old Trafford spot but Paul Deacon and Stuart Fielden gave a strong hint that they have what it takes to give the side a new dimension in the crucial weeks ahead.

Deacon was assured in everything he did, mixing some nice handling skills and support play with some defending which belied his stature.

And he capped a highly promising start with a fine try as he popped up as just the right moment to finish off a dazzling break from half-back partner Robbie Paul.

But it was Academy team mate Staurt Fielden who stole the limelight with a superb effort after coming off the bench 15 minutes from the break.

He made good ground consistently and with better support would have made an even bigger impact.

Paul did finally get there early in the second half but a fine pass which hit the Kiwi at full speed was ruled forward, although it looked a line decision.

But probably the most significant factor at this stage of his development is that he apparently has no fear despite the massive leap up from junior rugby.

Elsewhere there was generally a little more freedom in their play with Graeme Bradley, Jimmy Lowes and Steve McNamara all having their best games for several weeks.

Bradley doubled his try tally for the season with one in either half.

First he profited from a nice link between Deacon and Paul in midfield to slice through a huge gap but he had far more work to do for his second, showing all the tenacity that made him such a feared opponent last term on a great 30 metre diagonal run.

Man of the season so far Stuart Spruce also found his scoring touch again after a two month drought but had less success with his new touch-finding role.

Lowes too looked more like his old self again after a frustrating injury and his running from acting half-back is another key element if the Bulls are to launch a major revival in the second half of the campaign.

Winger Jon Scales made good ground too on occasions but as an attacking unit the three-quarters still looked generally low on confidence.

Defensively there were also a few worries with the Giants able to make good ground throughout without having the personnel to take full advantage.

"We competed for the second half but this game is about 80 minutes and if we don't do that, we are going to get turned over," lamented Giants coach Garry Schofield.

"The players have been told in no uncertain terms that if they are not prepared to put their bodies on the line, they will be replaced.

"Some of the players in the A team might not be good enough to play in Super League but at least they would play with total enthusiasm.

"I have told my side to have a long hard look at themselves in the mirror and will address the situation tomorrow."

Leeds are quite another proposition though and a big improvement will be needed by the Bulls to build on the reasonable foundations laid yesterday.

But with Brian McDermott expected back to give them more presence up front, they go to Headingley with much more hope than they would have done 24 hours ago.

Underdogs certainly, but Elliott and his men know that success against their old foes would give them a massive boost ahead of the mid-season break.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.