York Knights 25-14 Bradford Bulls - Match Report

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York Knights sealed their first victory of the 2024 Betfred Championship after beating rivals Bradford Bulls 25-14 at the LNER Community Stadium.

Jimmy Keinhorst and Jordan Thompson tries put York 14-4 ahead at half-time following Jorge Taufua’s early opener.

A brace of Liam Harris scores in the space of eight minutes put the Knights in complete control against the in-form Bulls, who had won three of their first four in the Betfred Championship.

The visitors managed to register a couple of consolation efforts through Elliot Peposhi and Aidan McGowan but could not threaten to turnaround the deficit.

Bradford made the fastest start, capitalising on a six-again inside the York 10 when Jordan Lilley’s high kick was patted inside by Taufua to Chester Butler, who put Kieran Gill over the whitewash.

Lilley was wide with conversion attempt from just inside the near touchline.

York responded just 10 minutes later though, having been given a helping hand by John Davies’ error inside his 20 before the Bulls stripped the ball from Ukuma Ta’ai. 

That set the field position for Thompson to fling the ball wide for Keinhorst to brilliant pick up from his toes and ground down the left channel.

Myles Harrison tagged on the two points (scoring three from four conversions) and added a penalty goal a couple of minutes later from straight in front of the posts.

The Knights ensured a 10-point lead at the break when Liam Harris’ bomb was dropped by Bradford, giving York the platform for Thompson to barge over.

York picked up from where they left off, extending their lead just three minutes into the second half.

Straight from a scrum, the Knights worked the ball right and Harris somehow snuck through three Bradford defenders to reach out an arm to touch down.

The Bulls threatened a response but were dealt a sucker-blow by York when Harris intercepted Tyran Ott’s pass on his own 10 and raced away under the sticks.

York’s captain then landed a drop-goal from in front of the posts before the hour mark to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Bradford managed to ensure some respectability to the scoreboard with two tries in the final dozen minutes.

Peposhi finished a Jordan Lilley grubber kick, with the assister converting, before John Davies’ line break was finished by ex-Knights loanee McGowan.

York: Harrison, Brown, Severs, Keinhorst, Lineham, Pemberton, Harris, Ta’ai, Jubb, Fitzsimmons, Gannon, Bailey, Thompson

Subs (all used): Teanby, Michael, Daley, Reynolds

18th Player: Towse

Tries: Keinhorst (15’), Thompson (34’), Harris (43’, 51’)

Goals: Harrison (4/5)

Drop-Goals: Harris (57’)

Bradford: McGowan, Blackmore, Arundel, Gill, Taufua, Davies, Lilley, Doro, Souter, Rogers, Fulton, Butler, Hallas

Subs (all used): Appo, Wilson, Ott, Peposhi

18th Player: N/A

Tries: Taufua (7’), Peposhi (69’), McGowan (80’)

Goals: Lilley (1/3)

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