Rugby League: Bulls' slide continues

FADING SUPER League champions Bradford Bulls were booed off the field after crashing to their fifth defeat in seven games, 38-18 to Sheffield Eagles at Odsal.

Bulls introduced new signings Nathan McAvoy, a pounds 140,000 centre capture from Salford, and prop Neil Harmon from Huddersfield as substitutes midway through the first half but they could not stop the Bulls slipping to defeat despite an 18-16 interval lead.

Leeds lost further ground on Super League leaders Wigan after conceding defeat to their neighbours yesterday in a marvellous match that was in doubt right up to the final whistle.

A try from Michael Smith six minutes from the end condemned the Rhinos to their third League defeat of the season and left Wigan four points clear at the top.

Fili Seru scored two tries as Hull gained revenge on Salford with a comprehensive 32-0 victory at The Boulevard. Craig Murdock, Mark Johnson and Gary Lester all crossed before half-time, and Seru (two) and Logan Campbell sealed the win.

The Reds, who beat the Sharks in their previous two clashes this season, lost their ninth match in 10 starts to remain next to bottom.

Stanley Gene grabbed four tries to take his tally for the season to 32 as Division One table-toppers Hull KR thrashed Widnes 63-4 at the Auto Quest Stadium.

Wakefield, in second place, but with a game in hand on the Robins, crushed Keighley 56-16 to consolidate their position.