Noble: Best side won

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Monday 7th Jun 2004.

A comprehensive 26-12 defeat at the hands of Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos - in front of 23,375 fans, the second biggest attendance in Super League history - has left the Bulls seven points off the pace and in danger of slipping as low as sixth in the table.

It was the first time the Rhinos have beaten the Bulls home and away since Super League began and Leeds coach Tony Smith issued a chilling warning for the chasing pack, saying: "I still think there is more to come."

After back-to-back defeats to St Helens and Leeds the Bulls have dropped to fourth place, but their grip on the spot is tenuous, as Huddersfield will go ahead of them and Wigan will move level on points if they win their games in hand.

Bulls coach Brian Noble chose to use the anniversary of the D-day landings to put the defeat in context.

"As a Bradfordian, that hurt," said Noble. "It hurt a lot but we are all hurting together. We are extremely disappointed but 60 years ago a lot of people lost their lives. We didn't lose our lives, we just get a chance to get better next week."

Noble conceded his side had been outplayed.

"I don't think we were out-muscled at all. Leeds were great. Take you hats off to them. They were very disciplined and determined. Leeds were better on the evening."

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