Bradford 0 - 19 Crusaders: Magic day for Crusaders as they crush the Bulls

• Welsh wizard: Crusaders' Gareth Thomas caused plenty of problems for Bradford. Photograph: PA

The stand-off put the Welsh side on the way by touching down twice, converting both and adding a drop goal in the first half.

Impressive debutant Jarrod Sammut then put the seal on victory – and ended in-form Bradford's six-match unbeaten run in all competitions – with a third try late on.

It was Wrexham-based Crusaders' fifth win of the campaign and another notable scalp for their coach Brian Noble against his former club.

Bradford, who were "nilled" for the first time in four years, were frustrated throughout by determined defence.

With a healthy following at a ground less than half full, they had started well with Paul Sykes and Chris Nero making good breaks, but Crusaders held firm and began to find their feet.

Vince Mellars had an opportunity for the Welsh side but was unable to take a high kick and Witt went close to gathering his own clever chip for a try.

Rugby union legend Gareth Thomas, on the ground where he once won a Grand Slam and the Heineken Cup, then pegged the Bulls back with a good break from deep.

Bradford recovered but were stung by Thomas again as the former Wales captain plucked a Matt Orford kick out of the air close to his own line and set off on a charge.

Thomas raced 70 metres before eventually being caught but Nick Youngquest took up the attack and sent Witt over for the opener.

Sykes was twice denied as Bradford sought a reply but Witt further extended Crusaders' lead as he took a pass from the newly-introduced Sammut to land a drop goal three minutes before the break.

There was still time for some more Witt wizardry as Mellars claimed the half-back's kick and put him over for his second on the stroke of the interval.

Former Penrith scrum-half Sammut looked lively and almost put Rhys Hanbury over with a smart pass but Craig Kopczak produced a fine tackle.

Crusaders were also strong in defence and continually rebuffed the Bulls in a tight opening to the second period.

The Bulls suffered a blow just before the hour when the inspirational Orford was forced off after a heavy blow.

A stroke of fortune presented Bradford with a way back into the game when a Steve Menzies kick bounced back infield and Rikki Sheriffe was able to kick further downfield.

Thomas then knocked on under pressure from Heath L'Estrange but the Bulls failed to take advantage as Kopczak dropped a pass ten metres out.

Brett Kearney then gathered a Menzies offload to go over in the corner but video referee Stuart Cummings ruled he had lost possession before touching down.

It was a costly miss and Sammut put the game beyond the Bulls with a brilliant piece of play eight minutes from time.

Sammut did well to take a pass at the second attempt and then chased after his own kick. He benefited from a kind bounce but broke through a tackle to crash over. Witt added his third conversion to put the seal on victory.