Bulls denied top slot

Anderson got amongst the tries for Bradford

Bradford 24-6 London

Challenge Cup finalists Bradford Bulls maintained their 100% Super League record but were denied top spot by a determined London Broncos performance.

Bradford looked on course to register the 34-point margin victory margin needed to overtake leaders Wigan on scoring difference after taking an 18-0 lead at the interval.

And within two minutes of the restart they stretched that lead to 24-0.

But the Broncos, still looking for their first league win of the season, denied the home side repeatedly with some tigerish defending.

Lowes was in outstanding form for the Bulls

They also cut the deficit with 60th minute try by centre Tony Martin, who touched down a kick from stand-off Jim Dymock, and also had another effort by substitute Brett Warton disallowed.

Bradford took the lead after four minutes when Australian centre Shane Rigon stretched to score after a long pass from outstanding hooker James Lowes.

The Broncos worked hard, however, to test the Bradford defence and tireless second rower Shane Millard, hooker Jason Hetherington and centre Greg Fleming all went close.

Bradford burst into life with a dazzling run by skipper Robbie Paul from within his own half after 27 minutes. Smart handling from four players eventually led to Lowes crossing.

Henry Paul added his second goal to make it 12-0 before giant prop Paul Anderson charged over. Paul goaled once more.

When England winger Leon Pryce crossed within two minutes of the restart to increase Bradford's lead, it looked as if they were in for another big win.

I was delighted that we were able to restrict a quality side to only six points

  Bulls coach Brian Noble

But the battling Broncos kept them in check despite losing Millard to the sin-bin for a spell.

Bulls victory was marred by a hand injury to winger Michael Withers.

And with their Challenge Cup final date at Twickenham only three weeks away, coach Brian Noble admitted: "He is worried about it and so am I.

"But at this stage we don't really know beyond the fact that he is going for an x-ray on a possible hand fracture."

Noble was reasonably happy with the victory which left London still looking for their first league win of the season.

"I thought we were the better side by a long way in the first half and I was delighted that we were able to restrict a quality side to only six points," he said.

London coach Tony Rae praised his side for a gutsy display after the break, saying: "There is a good spirit in the camp. We are gradually coming together."