WARRINGTON were left rueing the point that got away after Super League champions Bradford came back to snatch a 22-22 draw in a dramatic match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Bradford's New Zealand Test winger Lesley Vainikolo, who arrived back from international duty in Australia only 48 hours earlier, pounced for his 13th try of the season three minutes from the end to tie the scores for a second time.

Scrum-half Paul Deacon was off target for the first time as he attempted to claim both points for the Bulls and, in a breathless finale, full-back Michael Withers was narrowly wide with a last-minute drop-goal attempt.

"The game is won and lost on fractions and that one got away from us," said proud Warrington coach Paul Cullen, whose side were playing their fifth game in 19 days and were without six regulars through injury.

"We are disappointed that we haven't won but the positive from our point of view is that a 22-22 draw against the champions is not good enough.

"We went into the game with less preparation time and with a 17 arguably not as strong, but we were very dominant. I am satisfied that we are moving in the right direction.

"Bradford deserve full credit for coming back into a match they had no right to. Because they are the world champions, when we gave them ball and field position, they exploited it to the full."

Bradford had no answer to the pinpoint tactical kicking of Wolves skipper Lee Briers, who scored one try and had a hand in all four others from threequarters Brent Grose (2), Richard Varkulis and Dean Gaskell.

TETLEY'S SUPER LEAGUE. WARRINGTON (14) 22 Tries: Briers, Varkulis, Grose 2, Gaskell Goals: Briers Bradford (6) 22 Tries: Smith, Withers 2, Vainikolo Goals: Deacon 3 Att: 8,111