Bulldogs Junior Review: Mix and match on opening weekend for youngsters

LEADING MAN: Danny Harrison enjoyed his two trips to Whitley Bay on the opening weekend of the 2024-25 season, coming back to Bradford with six goals to his name and a combined three points for the Under-16s and Under-18s. Picture courtesy of All Sports Photography.

THERE WAS a little bit of everything from the opening weekend of the 2024-25 season for Bulldogs’ junior teams - a win, a draw and a loss.

It was the Under-18s who got things underway at Whitley Bay in a competitive Saturday lunchtime clash which ended all square at 4-4. 

With a number of players making their Under-18s debut, chances were created at either end, but it was Daragh Spawforth who gave the Bulldogs the lead at 15.55.

The second period belonged to Whitley who took the lead through a double from Ollie Jardine, Danny Harrison equalising before George Cowey restored the home team’s lead with 30 seconds of the period remaining. 

Harrison then broke clear to drag the visitors level again in the 50th minute, only for Ben Wood to edge the home side ahead again at 55.11.

DOUBLE DELIGHT: Thomas Taylor impressed for the Under-16s with two goals in their 6-3 win at Whitley Bay. Picture: Alien Aerial Photography.

But summer arrival Liam Hine was quick to respond and make it 4-4 just 14 seconds later, earning his new team a deserved point. 

Bulldogs Under-12s also got their season underway on the Saturday, finding it tough going at home to Kingston Sharks, who ran out 9-1 winners. 

The visitors were 6-0 ahead before Bradford got on the board through Stephen Abdy at 31.45. 

The Sharks added three further goals in as many minutes to run out deserved winners. 

On the Sunday, it was the turn of the Bulldogs Under-16s to head to Whitley Bay, for another lunchtime face-off. 

Ollie Jardine struck twice inside the first 10 minutes for the hosts, either side of a leveller from Danny Harrison, with Thomas Taylor pulling the visitors level for a second time at 11.38.

Alexey Belajevs then made it 3-2 in the 22nd minute but two goals inside a minute, a second from Taylor and another from Harrison at 29.13, saw the Bulldogs go in 4-3 ahead at the second break. 

A power play strike early in the third from Harrison put some further daylight between the teams, before the captain made the points safe with a fourth of the game at 43.12.