York Knights v Bradford Bulls: AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Semi-Final Match Preview

sharonshortle
May 15
2 min read

Updated: May 16

🤝 York RLFC Match Previews are proudly sponsored by David Lloyd York!

York Knights are just 80 minutes away from Wembley when they face Bradford Bulls in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup semi-final on Sunday at the LNER Community Stadium (3pm)!

The clash brings two of the form teams in the Betfred Championship together to battle it out for a place in the final at the national stadium on 7th June.

York were last in the final in 2021, when they lost 41-34 to Featherstone Rovers in a game which nearly didn’t go ahead with covid affecting both squads.

The Bulls have never reached the final of this competition, although they have had the Wembley experience, being five time Betfred Challenge Cup winners.

They last got to the final of that competition in 2003, beating Leeds Rhinos at the Millennium Stadium in 2003. They were last at Wembley in 1997, when they lost to St.Helens in the final.

This season sees Bradford in a run of good form, and they come to York on a 6 match winning run. Brian Noble’s team have beaten leaders Halifax and Oldham in that time, with the most recent victory coming with a 48-12 win last week at Batley.

On the way to the semi-finals of this competition, they beat Batley Bulldogs in Round 1 (16-12) and Sheffield Eagles in the quarter final (36-20).

York have also hit fine form after a rocky start to the season losing just one of their last eight matches.

Their run to the final saw them beat Halifax (32-20) and Widnes (39-6), both at the LNER Community Stadium.

There have been some epic battles between York and Bradford over the last few years, with honours shared in the league last season. The Knights took the spoils with a 25-18 win at home before Bradford claimed the points with a 36-28 win at Odsal.

The Bulls made some shrewd signings in the off season, bringing in Waqa Blake from St.Helens, James Donaldson from Leeds and James Meadows from London.

There’s also the familiar face of Ronan Michael, who could be lining up against the Knights for the first time since his move to West Yorkshire.

York Knights head coach, Mark Applegarth is expected to have a near full strength squad to select from. However, Ben Jones-Bishop won’t play due to being cup tied.

Join us as York Knights aim for Wembley!

Tickets are on sale NOW for Sunday’s AB Sundecks 1895 Cup semi-final between York Knights and Bradford Bulls (3pm)!

Tickets are priced at £18 for Adults, £12 for Concessions (16 to 21-year-olds and over 65s) and FREE for Under 16s!

To purchase your tickets online please click HERE! Alternatively you can head to the York SMC Ticket Office or call 01904 950950!

Season tickets are NOT valid for this game, but season ticket holders can purchase their usual seat by clicking HERE!

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