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What happened on Boxing Day in 2019?

Boxing Day always provides us a first look at some squads ahead of the new season, and 2019 was no exception.

Here is what happened in the three games this year.

Bradford stun Castleford at The Jungle

Rowan Mines played a crucial part in Bradford’s win at Castleford. Credit: Craig Milner/News Images

Bradford Bulls put in an impressive away performance at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle to beat their Super League opponents Castleford Tigers.

It was an even match throughout, it was 4-4 at half time as Danny Richardson’s debut try for Castleford was cancelled out by Joe Brown for Bradford.

The Tigers re-took the lead six minutes into the second half as Joe Summers managed to score. Callum Turner scored the first conversion of the day.

It was soon level again as Rowan Milnes showed his quality to get over. He then converted his own try  and both sides were in double figures.

Castleford then took their opportunity for the next try of the game as Turner intercepted a pass and set Jacob Doyle on his way to score.

Once again, the Bulls hit back as Brown managed to cross for his second try of the game.

Just when the match seemed to be heading for a draw, Bradford got that crucial next try as new co-captain Sam Hallas managed to barge over. Milnes converted to put the Bulls ahead by six.

The Bulls had six minutes to hold on for victory and they did it, to send the travelling fans into raptures.

Leeds impress at Headingley

Stevie Ward marked his first game as captain with a try. Credit: News Images

Leeds Rhinos won the annual Wetherby Whaler Challenge as they proved too strong for Wakefield Trinity at Headingley.

It was an even start, with Wakefield matching the Rhinos for the first 20 minutes.

But tries from Cameron Smith and Konrad Hurrell, plus one goal from newbie Luke Gale had the Rhinos 10-0 ahead at half time.

Wakefield took just four minutes after the break to get back into the game. Luke Kershaw managed to get in for the try. But the conversion was missed, meaning they still trailed by six points.

There was also time for one more Leeds try as Brad Dwyer went over from dummy half. Gale scored one more goal in his first game for over a year.

Dewsbury and Batley play out thrilling draw

Dewsbury Rams and Batley Bulldogs played out a thrilling 14-14 draw in the final Heavy Woollen Derby of 2019.

It started brilliantly for the visitors as tries from Alistair Leak and Michael Ward, both converted by Dale Morton, gave the Bulldogs a 12-0 lead after half an hour.

The hosts needed a try before half time and got it thanks to Andy Gabriel. It was converted by Paul Sykes to half the deficit before the break.

In the first ten minutes of the second half, Dewsbury completed their comeback as tries from Will Oakes and Adam Ryder put them into the lead for the first time.

Just when it seemed like the Rams would hold on for victory, Batley rescued a draw as Morton scored a penalty with three minutes to go.

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