Whilst Olympics fever has gripped the nation, Bradford Bulls have been competing in a race of their own for the Super League play-offs. After six months of inconsistency, the finishing line is now in sight and Steve McNamara will be demanding no less than a medal-winning performance. The return to form of captain Paul Deacon has been a significant factor in Bradford’s improving displays, and eyes will now surely be on the gold and silver- the Super League trophy.

After a break for the Challenge Cup semi finals, Bulls travelled to the Twickenham Stoop stadium to take on fellow play-off hopefuls Harlequins RL. An away victory would have galvanised 6th position in the table, but the visitors encountered an inspired Wil Sharp. The Quins winger crossed twice in the first half thanks to quick thinking from former Bradford favourite Henry Paul, then sealed the game and a personal hat-trick in the dying seconds to seal a 36-24 win. Despite applying early pressure, the Bulls failed to convert their many chances, and a sizeable half-time deficit proved to be too much. Replies from Finnigan, Tadulala and Lynch after the break proved futile as that man Sharp cut through to sever any hopes of a comeback.

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