A late charge by the Canterbury Bulldogs NYC side wasn’t enough to overcome a strong South Sydney team, with the blue and white side going down 36-28 in their first trial of 2014.
In a game that saw no conversions taken, Canterbury jumped out of the gates with two tries in 11 minutes, but couldn’t capitalize on their first half pressure and let the Rabbitohs take a 16-point lead with 20 minutes to go.
Pressuring the Bulldogs defence early, the Rabbitohs sent a cut out pass to the right winger who had an open try line in front of him, however he put it down. The Bulldogs hit back through five eighth Jordan Cox who scored a great solo try after six minutes to take a 4-0 lead.
Another quick try to the home side took the score out to 8-0 before Souths got some possession back. The Rabbitohs tested the Dogs defence and after repeat sets, they cracked. A try to second rower Eden Syme in the 20th minute got the scores back to 8-4 just before the water break at quarter time.
The break proved to be a blessing for the home side. Jordan Cox crossed for his second try after three repeat sets proved too much for the Souths defensive line.
South Sydney finished the half strongly with two tries in 7 minutes to level the scores at 12-12 at half time.
Two minutes after the break, a quick try to Souths took them to 16-12 before Bulldogs reserve Jake Kamire leveled it again at 16-16.
4 tries in 12 minutes to Souths, starting with a try down the rights side to winger Ofa Felila, before 4 pointers to Taylam Halls, Tom Hughes and Chad Porter took the score to 32-16 with 20 minutes left to play.
The Bulldogs weren’t finished yet, and hit back with their own flurry of tries. Some great footwork and acceleration by halfback Tyrone Gorman led to a try by reserve Brad Keighran. Three minutes later a wonderful three-man cut out pass saw Andrew Cartisano score on the left flank to get the score to within 10 points. With 11 minutes to go, the Dogs still weren’t done and reserve Sonny Tupuolo went over, and the score read 32-28.
Needing a try to level the scores at fulltime, the fast finishing Canterbury side couldn’t overcome the tireless Rabbits defence and with four minutes left on the clock their five-eighth Wallace Tangiiti went over to seal the win 36-28.
