The Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs NYC side has been defeated by the South Sydney Rabbitohs, 28-24.
The boys from Belmore showed plenty of fight in the second half, but the home side hung on to win by four points.
The Bulldogs were given a great opportunity early in the game, but couldn’t make the most of the field position in the opening ten minutes.
The Rabbitohs were first on the score sheet when halfback Dean Hawkins scored and converted his own try in the 17th minute to give the home side a 6-0 lead.
The Rabbitohs were in again ten minutes later when a kick from Hawkins found winger Tyrone Taukamo in the corner to score. The kick was waved away and South Sydney lead 10-0.
Following a penalty in the 33rd minute, the Bulldogs finally got their first try of the game through centre Alvin Maungatti. The talented number three did a great job to beat the Bunnies defence to reach out and score. Adam Keighran converted the try and the lead was cut by four.
With two minutes left on the clock in the opening half, the home side grabbed their third try of the half when back-rower Lucky Taavale crashed over off a short ball down the Bulldogs left edge. Hawkins converted the try to give the Rabbitohs a 16- 6 lead at half-time.
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The Bulldogs were first to score in the second half through back-rower Dalton Smith. The forward ran a great line off his half to score in the corner in the 45th minute. Keighran converted from the sideline and we trailed the Rabbitohs, 16-12.
The Rabbitohs extended their lead in the 52nd minute when fullback Beau Cordtz kicked in behind the Bulldogs line to put Jordan Mailata over. Hawkins’ conversion was good and Souths led 22- 12.
Mailata had his second try of the match ten minutes later and Hawkins converted the try.
The Bulldogs fight back began when prop forward Giordan Patea crashed over next to the post in the 67th minute. Keighran successfully added the two points.
Two minutes later fullback Blake Clayton scored and Keighran converted to cut the Rabbitohs lead by four.
The final ten minutes of the game saw the Bulldogs have a number of chances on the Rabbitohs line, but unfortunately couldn’t come up with the points.
The Rabbitohs held the Bulldogs out and went on to win 28-24.
Rabbitohs 28 (Mailata 2, Hawkins, Taukamo, Taavale tries: Hawkins 4 goals)
def
Bulldogs 24 (Maungaati, Smith, Patea, Clayton tries: Keighran 4 goals)
