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Rugby League

Bulls ease past coachless Wildcats

21/07/2006

Reigning champions Bradford piled on the misery for coachless Wakefield after a 42-20 victory on transfer deadline day in Super League.

The Bulls, who lie in fourth, closed the gap on Hull and Leeds to four points in the race for the playoffs after scoring seven tries.

Two tries each from right wing Karl Pryce and forward Jamie Langley guided the visitors to a comfortable victory despite the absence of Ben Harris and Michael Withers.

Kiwi winger Lesley Vanikolo, hooker Ian Henderson, and New Zealander Shontayne Hape also crossed the line for Steve McNamara's side.

Scrum half Paul Deacon continued his excellent form, kicking seven goals to reach 79 for the season and go past the 800 milestone for Bradford.

The defeat leaves Wakefield odds on for relegation after suffering their 16th loss of the season with just six games remaining.

Two tries from standoff Jamie Rooney, who also kicked two goals, and center Ryan Atkins was mere consolation for the Wildcats having trailed by 20 points at the break.

They remain second from bottom and are hoping to secure James Lowes as their new coach after being given permission by Salford to speak to the former Great Britain international.

Lowes is himself a stand in coach for the Reds as manager Karl Hanson is recovering from an operation on a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Tony Smith quit as Wildcats coach after their humiliating 26-20 defeat to Huddersfield last weekend and after criticised his player's fitness levels.

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