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Rugby League

Bulls come from behind to beat Hull KR and seal playoff spot

25/08/2008

Bradford Bulls have booked their play-off place after completing a stunning comeback to beat Hull Kingston-Rovers 42-18 at the Grattan Stadium.

Hull KR led 18-0 thanks to tries from Kris Welham and a brace from Michael Vella.

But the Bulls launched an astonishing fightback with tries from Paul Sykes, Terry Newton, David Solomona, Semi Tadulala, James Evans, Chris Nero, Matt Cook and Dave Halley.

Paul Deacon kicked five goals in prop forward Joe Vagana's last home game for the Bulls, after nearly 250 appearances for the club.

After the Bulls had a try by Ben Jeffries ruled out, the visitors scored three tries in ten minutes.

First, Welham sprinted 60 yards to score while Vella crashed over on 13 minutes. Vella repeated the trick seven minutes later for his seventh try of the season to put Hull KR in complete control.

That sparked the hosts into action and Sykes began the comeback on 25 minutes after diving over in the corner. And they reduced their deficit to eight points at the break when Halley crossed the line.

Steve McNamara's side made an explosive start to the second half with Solomona touching down after 42 minutes. Bradford moved into the lead for the first time when Tadulala scored but Deacon missed the conversion from the touchline.

Cook and Nero scored to move the Bulls further ahead, while Evans and Newton scored in the final 15 minutes to complete the rout.

The win cements the Bulls' place in sixth while Hull KR remain in eighth position.