Broncos bash woeful Wildcats

Jason Hetherington returned after a three-month lay-off

London 44-18 Wakefield

London Broncos hit relegation-threatened Wakefield for seven tries to keep their play-off hopes alive.

The win means the Broncos maintain the pressure on Leeds Rhinos, who are now only four points clear with a much harder run-in to the end of the season.

The Broncos were boosted by the return of hooker Jason Hetherington from a lengthy absence with a knee injury, but it was Shane Millard and Dennis Moran who provided the firepower.

I firmly believe that we will not finish bottom - but I cannot deny that London deserved to win this game

  John Harbin
Wakefield coach

The home side made a hesitant start, allowing Martin Pearson to open the scoring for Wakefield with a fourth-minute penalty.

In fact, it was not until the Wildcats had centre Gareth Ellis sin-binned for a professional foul after 16 minutes that they capitalised on their superiority.

Paul Sykes kicked a penalty less than 60 seconds into Ellis' absence, and two minutes later Millard crossed the line for the game's opening try.

Wakefield hit back on the half-hour mark with a second long-range Pearson penalty after the home side were caught offside.

Moran claimed a brace of tries for London

But the Broncos soon found their feet again with Dymock and Barnett creating an opening for Greg Fleming. Paul Sykes was successful with his goal.

Five minutes from half-time Tony Martin raced clear to touch down after Fleming had set him up with a majestic break. Sykes again added the goal.

The visitors came out more determined in the second period and reduced the arrears to 10 points through Neil Law's touchdown.

The Broncos, however, moved up a gear and three tries in five minutes made the points safe.

On 53 minutes Millard forced his way over the line from Glen Air's pass. Sykes was again successful with his kick.

I don't have a crystal ball so I cannot tell you what is going to happen in the next five weeks

  Tony Rea
London coach

On 55 minutes Air touched down after Moran and Dymock had combined to set him up.

Moran scored his first try on 58 minutes with his first interception of the game. Sykes tagged on the extras.

Waisale Sovatabua collected Brad Davis' kick to touch down in the corner.

Sykes's penalty on 67 minutes extended the Broncos lead and two minutes later Moran intercepted again to race clear.

The visitors gained some consolation when Ellis touched down in the corner and Martin Pearson added the goal from the touch line.

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London: Barnett, Sykes, Roy, Fleming, Martin, Dymock, Moran, Dooley, Hetherington, Cram, Millard, Retchless, Parker.
Replacements: Johnson, Mestrov, Gillett, Air.

Wakefield: Holland, Sovatabua, Pearson, Ellis, N. Law, G. Law, Davis, O'Neill, Handforth, Jackson, Field, Poching, Price.
Replacements: Mason, Feather, Dorahy, Batty.

Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens)