Bradford Bulls Women are this week’s rugby-league.com Club of the Week after they made a stunning start to their first year as a club.
The newly-formed Bulls, the only women's side to be associated with a full-time men's team, romped to a convincing 82-0 win at Selby Warriors in their first-ever game on Sunday, and Head Coach Mark Prescott now has his sights set on making history.
"I was delighted with the result at the weekend," he said.
"It was pretty much the perfect start."
Selby Warriors 0-82 Bradford Bulls. Big well done to Selby, never gave up!!ðŸ‘👠Even bagged myself 2 try's🉠@OfficialBullsRL #COYBW #OneFamily
— Lisa Taylor (@taylor1936) April 10, 2016
The Bulls name is new to the competition, but the core of the squad remains chiefly the same as the club’s days as Bradford Clayton Thunderbirds, as Prescott explains: "I was assistant at the old Thunderbirds club where Michael Lambert was head coach.
"The base of the team was very solid already but, with the support of the Bulls, our numbers have been boosted massively and we’re getting around 50 per cent more people up to training each week.
"Our link with the Bulls has been a massive plus.
"There’s a lot of competition for places in the squad now which is probably why we ended up having such a good start to the season.
"We’ve got a very young and exciting squad and it’s growing.
"Rebranding as the Bulls is something which was first brought up by Michael Lambert six months ago and we’re pleased it’s come to fruition," he added.
"As the Thunderbirds, we were already strong, but we’re hoping the link with the Bulls will push us on to the next level and help us win silverware."
The Thunderbirds finished third in the Women’s Premier League last year, behind Featherstone Rovers and eventual champions, Thatto Heath.
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A host of stars from that side have formed the Bulls, such as ten-try top-scorer Lois Forsell and long-serving winger Lisa Taylor. And, with the backing of new club sponsors, Provident, Prescott is hopeful of success in 2016.
"The aim for us now is to win our first trophy," he said.
"Whether that’s the Grand Final or the Women's Challenge Cup, which I’m delighted to see the RFL have brought back to the game, we’re looking to end this season with something in our trophy cabinet.
"The players have a chance to be part of something very special in winning the club's first piece of silverware.
"It's been a good start, so I'd like to think we’re established now and we're hoping our links with the men’s team will grow, helping us both progress in the long run."
Congrats to the Bradford Bulls woman today Aswel!! Amazing effort!! #COYBW ðŸ˜ðŸ‘ðŸ¾
— Matty Blythe (@mattyblythe88) April 10, 2016
Provident Sponsorship Manager Paul Mitchell added: "Provident is proud to be main sponsor of the newly-formed Bradford Bulls Women’s Team, and we'd like to congratulate them on their early success.
"We have every faith that they will continue to be successful throughout their debut campaign, and Provident is proud to be backing them every step of the way."
For more information on Women's Rugby League, click HERE.
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