Despite the ensuing threat of adversity, there is some positivity to report, in the form of Stuart Barrow's & Paul Medley's Valvoline Cup squad.

Three impressive results:

Bradford 46-14 Widnes
Bradford 30-20 Hull KR
Huddersfield 22-36 Bradford

Despite losing the first thirteen games.

thanks Mick, I was wondering last week what the u20s were doing. Whats the story behind that? who on the pitch is making this happen?

Firstly, the thirteen games without victory, were heavily attributable and aided by debilitating injuries across all senior and junior ranks.

What we have now, is the return of those long term absentees as the familiar faces return.

The first victory against Widnes (46-14) the teamsheet featured six players with Super League experience, such was the extent of the misfortune with injured playing personal.

So players like Danny Addy, Adam O'Brown, Elliott Kear, have brought a wealth of experience and nous to the U20's set up, which really does aid and complement the future stars - who are progressing nicely.

The side is really playing some good Rugby League football at the minute, with the half pairing of Callum Windley & Cain Southernwood, providing an efficient, effect, cohesiveness to the side.

Cain Southernwood is really starting to look the part

I'm sorry, but can I update you on the rest - later.
It's rather difficult, typing off the phone, while the train is jolting me around on route to Huddersfield.

Mick, are you doing updates on here during the game?

As informative as ever, look forward to the rest when its more convenient for you, half time now lets have some more of that COYB!!!

Seems like they are starting to play well.

I'm back. What a triumph at the John Smith's Stadium that was!!

Cain Southernwood has been faultless with his organisation skills in the halves, he's also been faultless with his conversion rate.

His partnership with Callum Windley is starting to pay the dividends, after his release from Dewsbury, with the dynamic pair - getting the side around the field.

Lets not forget the confidence effect of losing thirteen in-a-row.

Speaking to Stuart Barrow, I can't tell you enough, just how these consecutive triumphs over Widnes, Hull KR and Huddersfield have restored the players self belief.

The victory on Saturday actually displaced Huddersfield to the bottom of the table and it's encouraging to see the three quarter line of Williamson, Wood, Hawthorne and Rossi, now actively finding their way to the line, rather than watching the opposition (which is refreshing to see, after the old notion - Bradford only produce forwards).

The quartet above in the Hull KR game, showed some conviction, impressive speed and dangerous strike when in possession of the ball.

Again going back to the Windley & Southernwood partnership, orchestrating the ball - out to those potent edges.

Danny Addy - the perennial, which position is best player, has really excelled at Loose Forward and it'll do him the world of good for the future to have his mind focused on a permanent position, although his unquestionable, versatility value can't be dismissed.

The forwards - Jack Dawson, Jobe Murphy, Liam McAvoy etc have been proving difficult to stop, certainly mixing it up/getting on top of the opposition.

While the coaching team of Stuart and Paul is starting to reward them for everybody's hard work, remember that they continue just like Mick Potter on a voluntary basis.

They simply couldn't abandon the players they have developed, and we shouldn't lose track of their objectives as part of the Bradford Bulls academy, in that:

The club has taken a holistic view that the person is more important than the player because of the small percentage of people that actually do become full time professional Super League/Championship players.

With the message that Rugby League is not a lifelong career subconsciously instilled into the players, so that those who don't make the step up, can at least return to the community game and pass the knowledge they have gained through being in a professional environment at the Bradford Bulls.

On a side note, would any supporter be interested in listening to live commentary of the Bradford Bulls Academy games?

It would be streamed over the internet, or perhaps a weekly podcast?

I know the future is cloudy at the minute, but I have been attending games at Odsal Stadium since 1988.

Where as a small child, I took it for granted that the club would always be there.

While as an adult, I never envisaged that the 24th year of supporting the club I've held dear to my heart for so long (just like those at Huddersfield today) could potentially end in a disaster.

The escapism that following and indeed working for the club provides is irreplaceable, the solace that a Sunday afternoon at Odsal Stadium provides is essentially unrivaled.

You have the completely unique and iconic atmosphere within the famous bowl, from the adverse weather to that ripping wind that drops down onto the terraces.

Not to mention the pre match entertainment and camaraderie with supporters of all ages.

What, is absolutely harrowing about the current situation is that the supporters have gone through living hell, since the most awful of bombshells caught the attention of our eyes on the 27th March.

The time spent worrying about weather there will be a club left to support is the significant mini tragedy of this disgraceful charade.

No supporter, player or club offical should never have these feelings bestowed upon them again.

The future of the club we all support will soon be in the hands of people who have an active interest in the Bradford Bulls and Rugby League.

These people won't be unscrupulous and irresponsible individuals, with financial gain their number one goal, but people who will be saving, one of the city's most recognisable focal points.

Early this evening I received the following message from Simon Foster to share:

"The spirit in this Bradford Bulls side is something to behold, my father would be so proud of the commitment and passion shown by every connected with this great club.

It is so gratifying to the club fighting the adversity and that with enthusiastic, inspirational supporters like those present at Huddersfield today, Odsal will continue to be a small piece of heaven on earth and with it - The Bradford club WILL NOT DIE!!! Come On You Bulls."

Mick what a superb post, especially about Simom Foster. As somebody who saw his
father play I can only echo all the thoughts that we cannot let this club die,

Any idea why the under 18s game against Wigan on Wednesday has been cancelled?

As parent of a player, we werent aware that this game was arranged, I suspect it wasnt but defer to anybody who actually knows anything factual at this time. (The scheduled game against Wigan away was originally 16 June but was called off for their England involvment).

The game against Hudderfield due to have been played on Sat 18th just gone was cancelled on Thursday due to Hudderfield not having a team according to Stuart Duffy

The under 18s have played ONE game in July and August (Hull KR away, enabled by Bullbuilder).

The next scheduled game is Mon 27th Aug Salford Home 12.30

There are around 20 Rugby League apprentices training on Tues and Thursday evenings, with dwindling focus, following the confusion of the initial turmoil in June, as they dont have games to give them that focus, which the First Team and U20s have at least had.

They have had 3 games postponed from an already short playing programme which at this time it is doing them absolutely no good at all not playing. There are some lucky ones getting into the 20s, but this opportunity has reduced due to fringe First teamers coming back as described in Micks post (so this is the other edge of that sword). I have posted before that it actually does them no good stepping up en masse (which was the case earlier in the year in the club wide injury crisis when the 20s were losing every week), it only works for their development when they can drip feed in with more experienced players, as proven with the last 3 results.

With coaches and back room staff being sacked, and their re-involvement only just starting to be slightly more structured, no games have been rearranged and these players have been in limbo, at what is a significant stage in their development. It is also crucial for some in that their contracts end in Novemember and they have had no information (because they cant be given any, and there is no one employed to do it) about what happens to them then. They are in a worse position than First Teamers in that situation as they have no CV as yet.

Not good

The Salford game has now been moved by the RFL to Tuesday 28th August, with a 19:30 kick off.