Vainikolo signs off with win
The Bulls win over their west Yorkshire rivals sees a three-way tie at the top of Super League
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Friday, 29, Jun 2007 10:19
Lesley Vainikolo ended his Super League career by helping Bradford beat rivals Leeds 38-14 at Headingley.
The Tongan winger, who will switch codes to join Gloucester, scored the first of the Bulls' six tries.
James Evans, Tame Tupou, Andy Lynch, Glenn Morrison and Marcus St Hilaire also crossed the line for the visitors.
Paul Deacon continued his impressive form for the Bulls, who led 14-8 at the break, with seven goals.
The Rhinos rammed in three tries through Matt Diskin, Lee Smith and Brent Webb. Kevin Sinfield was overshadowed by Deacon and kicked just one goal.
Vainikolo signed off his Bulls career with a trademark try on ten minutes after bulldozing through three defenders to score his 149th career try.
Deacon's penalty extended the Bulls' lead before Leeds hit back when Diskin crossed the line on 25 minutes.
Evans gave Bradford the upper hand again on 35 minutes with a try with Deacon kicking over the extras.
But Leeds cut their deficit to six points on the verge of half-time when Smith touched down with Sinfield again missing the conversion.
In a frenetic second period, Tupou's try at the start of the half was cancelled out by Rhinos' full-back Webb.
But tries from Lynch, Morrison, and St Hilaire clinched victory for the Bulls.
The result sees Bradford go ahead of Leeds by virtue of points difference and go level with leaders St Helens.