Betfred Championship R2: Bradford vs Sheffield Preview

04/02/2022

Sheffield Eagles will be wanting to right the wrongs of their opening round defeat to Barrow Raiders when they take on Bradford Bulls this weekend. 

The Eagles make the journey to West Yorkshire after losing 22-10 to the Raiders last Sunday.

Ben Jones-Bishop and Anthony Thackeray were Sheffield’s try-scorers, both in the first half, but Mark Aston’s side were left scoreless after the break. 

Ellis Gillam, Tee Ritson and Hakim Miloudi scored tries for Barrow inside the opening 40 minutes as they went into the sheds 18-10 in front.

The Raiders, courtesy of Ryan Shaw, added two penalty goals in the second period to seal victory. 

As for Bradford, their season started with a comprehensive 16-46 victory over Dewsbury Rams at the Bulls’ former home - the Tetley’s Stadium.

Matty Dawson-Jones and Kieran Gill helped themselves to doubles, while Declan Patton, David Foggin-Johnston, Elliot Kear and AJ Wallace were the other try-scorers for the visitors. Patton added seven goals. 

Dewsbury’s tries were scored by Ross Peltier, Jimmy Beckett and Lewis Carr. 

Key Battle - Kieran Gill | Kris Welham

Kris Welham was arguably Sheffield’s biggest signing, in terms of calibre, in the off-season and he was paired with Ben Jones-Bishop for the Eagles’ first game of 2022. 

As everyone has come to expect from Welham during his career, he put in a solid performance in what were tough Cumbrian conditions for all involved. 

Welham will have the task of keeping Kieran Gill quiet but as many outside-back defenders have found out in recent seasons, that is something which is easier said than done.

Gill was prolific for Newcastle Thunder before signing for the Bulls and he has started well for John Kear’s men, with a brace on his competitive debut. 

Both sides like to play out to the flanks and if the weather lends itself to expansive play, you can expect Welham and Gill to enjoy plenty of ball. 

Tickets

Sunday’s game takes place at Odsal Stadium and you can get your tickets at a cheaper price compared to match-day by clicking here

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman