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Rugby League

Miserable start for McNamara

23/04/2006

Steve McNamara's reign as Bradford boss started with a 27-4 defeat at Warrington as the home side cut loose with a late charge.

While former boss Brian Noble had a winning start at Wigan yesterday, McNamara watched the third-placed Bulls struggle at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The hosts led 10-4 at half-time after tries from Martin Gleeson and Ben Westwood, plus a goal from Lee Briers, with Marcus Bai crossing for Bradford.

Lee Briers edged the hosts further ahead with a drop goal before they ran in late tries from Paul Wood, Gleeson again and Briers.

Warrington took control of a frantic opening after Bradford hooker Terry Newton was given a dubious yellow card after a supposed high shot on Briers.

The home side took the lead through Gleeson before going down to 12 men themselves as Mike Wainwright was sin-binned.

Westwood crossed for a try, with Briers adding the extras, before Bai went over for Wigan's only try to make it 10-4 at the break.

Bradford pushed hard but Briers edged Warrington further ahead with his third attempt at a drop goal.

It proved the breaking point as from the next possession the Wolves moved swiftly downfield and Jon Clarke put Wood over by the posts for the decisive try.

Gleeson then broke from 20 metres to score and put the game beyond doubt and Briers, who kicked three goals, wrapped matters up with the final try in the last minute.

In the other Super League game, Wakefield thrashed Harlequins 42-22 as the impressive Jamie Rooney contributed seven goals and two tries for Trinity.

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