Oulton Raidettes claim Challenge Plate title with commanding final victory over Bradford Bulls

Oulton Raidettes were crowned Challenge Plate champions after a powerful and composed performance saw them overcome Bradford Bulls 42-6 in a hard-fought final. In the first meeting between the two sides, Oulton combined speed, intensity and clinical finishing to take control, while Bradford showed admirable resilience and refused to let the contest drift despite the scoreboard pressure. 

The opening exchanges were closely contested, with both teams matching each other physically and showing no hesitation in contact. Oulton soon found their rhythm in attack, using quick ruck speed and wide passes to stretch the Bradford defence and bring their pace on both wings into the game. 

Two early tries, both followed by successful conversions, gave Oulton a 12-0 lead and rewarded their dynamic start. Bradford took time to settle, but captain Sarah Garland led by example with strong carries and a determined display, helping her side build pressure and capitalise on Oulton errors. 

Bradford came close to crossing from five metres out, only to be denied by excellent Oulton defence. Their persistence was eventually rewarded before half-time, with a converted try reducing the deficit and raising the tension as the break approached. Oulton went in ahead 12-6 at half-time. 

Oulton struck early in the second half, adding another converted try to move 18-6 in front. Bradford responded with real determination, forcing penalties, applying pressure and defending with commitment to prevent Oulton from adding further scores immediately. 

The game continued to swing back and forth, with possession changing hands and both teams producing big defensive efforts. Bradford’s kicking game tested Oulton under the high ball, but the Raidettes answered confidently and remained composed under pressure. 

Oulton’s resilience showed once again when they capitalised on a Bradford mistake to score in the 17th minute of the second half. Another successful conversion extended the lead to 24-6 and gave the Raidettes firm control of the final. 

As Oulton increased the intensity, Bradford continued to show resilience. One standout defensive moment saw the Bulls deny Oulton on the wing by forcing the Raidettes into touch before quickly turning their focus back to attack. 

However, Oulton showed no signs of fatigue and finished the contest with authority. Three consecutive second-half tries, each converted, soon followed to close the second half. 

At full-time, Oulton Raidettes celebrated a deserved 42-6 victory over Bradford Bulls, lifting the Challenge Plate after a determined, high-tempo performance from start to finish. 

Player of the Match – Maddison Hurst