The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs NYC team have gone down 30-18 in a courageous performance against the ladder leading Newcastle Knights.
Penalties and some simple errors from the Dogs allowed the Knights to run in 6 tries to 3.
Two quick penalties to the Knights allowed Newcastle’s Pride Petterson–Robati to create numbers on the right and give a beautiful short ball to Joseph Tapine who went over for a try. Winger Bryce Donovan added the extras to lead 6-0 after five minutes.
Shortly after, five-eighth Sam Keenan gave a short ball on the left to Sione Mata’utia who nabbed a four pointer. The conversion was unsuccessful by Donovan and the Knights led 10-0
After 20 minutes of play, Knights second rower Joseph Tapine monstered through four of Canterbury’s defenders to score his second try. Donovan added another two points to take his side to 16-0.
A double to Sione Mata’utia ten minutes later took the score to 20-0, but the Bulldogs hit back. A try from short range to hooker Robbie Kamoto reduced the deficit to 14 points
With two and a half minutes before half time, Knights back rower Harry Pondekas broke through three defenders to score. Donovan added two more to lead 26-6 at the break.
Nine minutes after half time and a pass from Newcastle’s Chance Peni to an unmarked James De Saxe saw the score-line push out to 30-6.
A penalty 20m out from Newcastle’s try line was shortly followed by an inspirational try to Bulldogs captain Adam Elliot under the posts. With just under 20 minutes remaining, the Bulldogs trailed by 18 points.
With 11 minutes still remaining, the game started to get heated. Repeat penalties to the Bulldogs saw a Knights player sit down in the sin bin for 10 minutes but the Bulldogs couldn’t capitalise with points.
Bulldogs reserve Jake Kamire scored a late consolation try but that was it, the team from the Hunter Valley winning by 12 points and continuing their undefeated season.
KNIGHTS 30
def.
BULLDOGS 18 (Kamoto, Elliott, Kamire Tries; Keighran 1, Cox 2 Goals)
At: ANZ Stadium
