Sykes seals famous Rams win at Bulls

Paul Sykes kicked a dramatic last gasp penalty goal to seal the Rams win at Bradford last Sunday.

Bradford looked to have rescued a draw when they landed a penalty with just 50 seconds remaining only to hand Dewsbury chance to snatch victory in dramatic circumstances.

Bulls prop Adam Sidlow tried chipping out of his own 20-metre area and to compound his error, he then pushed Rams winger Dalton Grant when chasing the ball down and referee Warren Turley awarded a penalty just before the hooter sounded.

Sykes stepped up and hammered over the goal to spark jubilation among his teammates and the Rams travelling support.

Dewsbury opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Dom Speakman produced a neat runaround to send Shane Grady over for a try which Sykes improved.

Bradford were disjointed in the first half, with poor handling costing them possession, although the Bulls did reply through a Jay Pitts try after 25 minutes, which Danny Addy converted to level.

Scott Hale broke through and sent in-form full-back Josh Guzdek over to restore the Rams lead.

Sykes converted and tagged on a 40th minute penalty goal to give the Rams a 14-6 interval lead.

Adam O’Brien’s introduction improved Bradford and when he was high tackled, Addy slotted over a 53rd minute penalty to reduce the arrears.

Dewsbury were put on a team warning after conceding six successive penalties but Bradford spilled the ball when in a good position.

Addy and Epalahame Lauaki went close as Bradford piled on the pressure and Dewsbury were fortunate not to be reduced to 12 men when they conceded another penalty.

O’Brien finally twisted over in the 61st minute but crucially Addy pulled his conversion wide and Dewsbury held on to a slender lead.

Turley gave Dewsbury a second team warning but again opted not to send a player to the sin-bin.

Then came a dramatic finale.

Nathan Conroy was sin-binned for a high tackle and Addy held his nerve to slot over the penalty goal to level matters.

Sidlow’s error soon after the re-start handed Sykes chance to win the game.

Bulls players lined up 10 metres away in an attempt to put Sykes off but the half-back held his nerve to kick the long range goal and seal a fantastic win for the Rams as coach Glenn Morrison ensured it was a happy ending on his return to Odsal.