Bradford Bulls Women suffered at the hands of a superior Warrington Wolves side in the pair’s Challenge Cup clash at Odsal over the weekend.

In the opening round of group games, the Super League visitors overpowered their Northern Women’s Championship hosts to record an emphatic 52-4 win.

But there was at least a golden moment for Emily Simister, who powered over the line for her first-ever try in Bulls colours.

Bulls’ other Group 3 opponents are Women’s Southern Championship side London Broncos and holders St Helens.

The latter won 64-0 against their capital visitors on Saturday, and barring any shocks, Saints and Warrington will surely both progress to the quarter-finals, leaving Bradford and London to fight it out to avoid the group’s wooden spoon.

Warrington realistically ended the game at Odsal as a contest inside 25 minutes on Saturday, responding well to prop Abi Latchford being forced off through injury early on.

Sammi Simpson and Dani Bound both scored twice, with Grace Burnett adding her name to the scoresheet.

Charlie McGraw added two conversions out of five in that opening burst, giving Wire a 24-0 lead.

But some great play on the left saw Simister twist and turn her way over the Warrington line, and Ellena Powell was desperately unlucky to see her touchline conversion attempt strike the post.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bulls second row Emily Simister (third left) smiles with delight after scoring her side's first Challenge Cup try of the season.Bulls second row Emily Simister (third left) smiles with delight after scoring her side's first Challenge Cup try of the season. (Image: Martin Taylor.)

Nicole Barnett had the final say of the half though, crossing the line to establish a 28-4 advantage for the visitors at the break.

Warrington were forced into another injury substitution early in the second half, but again, that did not knock them off their stride, as Lauren Ellison crossed in the corner to score an unconverted try

Further tries for Wire came courtesy of Abi Johnstone and Georgia Westwood, with a McGraw conversion helping her side into a healthy 42-4 lead.

The visitors were not done, with talented young full back Anna Dennis helping herself to a try, with McGraw adding the extras.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bulls struggled to cope with the pace of the likes of Sammi Simpson (above) and Anna Dennis. (Image: Martin Taylor.)Bulls struggled to cope with the pace of the likes of Sammi Simpson (above) and Anna Dennis. (Image: Martin Taylor.) (Image: Martin Taylor.)

And Warrington reached their half-century with five minutes to go, as Johnstone went over for her second score.

McGraw was unable to land a tricky conversion attempt, but it hardly mattered, and Wire know a win at London Broncos, coupled with Saints beating Bulls at Odsal, will see both of the Super League sides into the last-eight with a group game to spare.