Big win for Bulls in heartland of rugby league

Buxton Bulls, in action against Derby City earlier in the season.

The emphatic 35-1 victory in Wigan also ensured the Bulls maintained their impressive 100 per cent start to the season.

As the game started in near monsoon conditions, it quickly became apparent it was going to be a game with many mistakes.

Both teams immediately got stuck into each other in defence, but it was Tommy McGuigan’s Bulls who showed real strength and determination.

Big drives by Palfi and Twyford enabled Austin to smash through the defence to dive under the sticks for the opening score.

Then a big kick upfield from the Stags saw Sircar collect five meters from his own line and glide around numerous would-be tacklers as he outpaced the chasing defence to score in the corner

Indiscipline gifted the Bulls a couple of penalties and they were soon camped on the Stags’ line.

A great reverse move by Oates saw Josh Hooey crash through two defenders to score next to the posts.

After being denied two more scoring opportunities at the end of the first half, the Bulls roared into action after the break with a quick-fire try from Scott Robinson, who bypassed five would-be tacklers on his way to the line.

With youngsters Oates and Hope pulling the strings in midfield, a half break from Corthorn saw him off-load to Tobin to race away for the next score, which was soon followed by Ben Hopkinson who teased the Stags defence before turning them inside out and racing clear.

Any hopes of another clean sheet evaporated when Garswood kicked a long-range one point drop goal. Oates, who converted five of his side’s six tries, immediately returned the favour. Man of the match was Dan Corthorn

The Bulls return to Sunnfields on Saturday when they host Manchester Canalsiders (2.30pm kick-off).