BRADFORD Bulls kicked off their Championship season in style with a narrow victory over Featherstone Rovers at Odsal today.

John Kear's men gave the home crowd something to cheer about with a 17-16 triumph.

T&A sports editor Mike Crowther gives you the lowdown of stats of the game, including player ratings.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Dane Chisholm. Scored one try, showing a great turn of speed, and had a hand in both Bulls’ other tries.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

The absolutely Baltic conditions. It was ultra cold even for Odsal – but fair play to both sides for producing a thrilling game.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Dane Chisholm’s drop goal with 11 minutes to go proved crucial.

TACTICS

New signings Connor Farrell and Matty Wildie were both given starts against their old club, having joined from Featherstone in the off-season. Chisholm and Lilley were paired in the halves in the absence of the injured Joe Keyes.

PLAYER RATINGS

Bulls: Pickersgill 7, Hitchcox 6, Evans 6, Webster 7, Ryan 7, Chisholm 8, Lilley 8, Kirk 6, Wildie 7, Crossley 6, Farrell 7, Minchella 6, Hallas 8. Interchange: Flanagan 7, Green J 7, Oakes 6, Wood 6.

Featherstone: Turner 6, Briscoe 6, Teteh 6, Newman 6, Carey 6, Boas A 7, Boas W 7, Wheeldon 6, King 7, Ormondroyd 6, Day 7, Walters 6, Lockwood 6. Interchange: Davies 7, Cooper 6, Hardcastle 6, Maskil 6

GAME GUIDE

Half-time: 4-6

Referee: Jack Smith

Bulls – Tries: Webster, Chisholm, Flanagan

Goals: Chisholm (2) Drop goals: Chisholm

Featherstone – Tries: Watson Boas, King, Briscoe

Goals: Watson Boas (2)

Penalties awarded: Bulls 7 Featherstone 4

Goal-line drop-outs: Bulls 2 Featherstone 0

Attendance: 6,024