Super League: Bradford Bulls 12-26 Warrington Wolves

Warrington closed the gap on Super League leaders Wigan to two points with victory at Bradford Bulls.

Wolves ran in four tries in 10 minutes from Ben Currie, Lee Briers, Michael Monaghan and Trent Waterhouse after being scoreless in the first quarter.

Ryan Atkins then extended Warrington's 20-0 half-time lead, with Brett Hodgson landing three of his five penalties.

Replacement Chev Walker and James Donaldson reduced the arrears for the Bulls, but it was too little too late.

The visitors dominated the early stages, but despite their pressure, they had to wait until the 22nd minute to get on the board.

Briers looked to have opened the scoring after going over from Monaghan's pass, but referee Richard Silverwood ruled the stand-off had not grounded the ball.

Currie sprinted in from 30 yards for the opening score and Rhys Williams set up Briers to go over in the corner two minutes later.

Hodgson missed his first kick at goal, but was successful with second and was again on target when Monaghan dived over for Warrington's third try.

Waterhouse's try on the left, converted by Hodgson, extended Wire's advantage and they started the second period in the same mood as Atkins incepted a pass to run in for their fifth touchdown.

Walker smashed his way under the posts to finally give home fans something to cheer and Donaldson also went over in the last minute for a consolation score.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Bradford boss Francis Cummins:

"We still worked hard in the first half, they had a great start and dominated all those repeat sets which makes it difficult.

"It's probably defined our year so far; character and spirit. The personnel we didn't have out there, it was always going to be difficult, but I'm glad with the way we played in the second half.

"We opened them up. We showed some character and showed a little bit of flair. I'm glad they kept playing until the end."

Warrington coach Tony Smith:

"We lacked intensity in the match, but sometimes you can't be at your very, very best all the time.

"I thought our opponents hung in there, tried really hard and were rewarded with a couple of late tries. Well done to them, they really showed their spirit.

"They've showed a lot of guts and grit, which is terrific, so I'm happy enough we got through pretty much unscathed and had some hit outs for some people who haven't had some game time for a little while."

LINE-UPS

Bradford: Foster, Kear, Purtell, Lulia, Platt, Addy, L'Estrange, Scruton, Diskin, Sidlow, Bateman, Blythe, Donaldson.

Replacements: Manuokafoa, Walker, Evans, Mellor.

Warrington: Hodgson, C. Riley, Atkins, Grix, Williams, Briers, Ratchford, Carvell, M. Monaghan, Wood, Waterhouse, Westwood, Currie.

Replacements: C. Bridge, Morley, Cooper, McCarthy.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (RFL).