Hape ensures happy return

Bradford made a triumphant return to Odsal after two years at Valley Parade with a hard-fought 22-10 victory over Wakefield yesterday.

The Wildcats, without a win in Bradford for 14 years, had threatened to spoil the homecoming party as they took a 10-4 lead soon after the interval, but the Bulls rallied in the closing stages to delight a crowd of 20,283.

Karl Pratt, deputising at stand-off for the injured Robbie Paul, Leon Pryce, Lee Gilmour and Shontayne Hape all crossed for Bulls tries.

The Bradford coach Brian Noble said: "It was a big occasion and the fans showed with their feet where they want rugby league to be played in the city."

The Wildcats fought hard for most of the game and were only beaten when Gilmour and Hape went over late on against a tired defence.

On Saturday St Helens, despite twice being down to 12 men, made it two wins out of two with a 20-4 victory over Widnes at the Halton Stadium. The Widnes coach Andy Kelly said: "We lacked composure near the Saints line."