Trial: Intrust Super Premiership: Lost 22-10 to Mounties
With a big squad going up to the Sunshine Coast, the Bulldogs’ ISP team had players combined from the part-time squad and one of the feeder teams in Cabramatta. Although Canterbury lost the trial, there were a lot of positives to come out of the game, the biggest being the attitude and effort given the team only had two training days together. Second-Rower Hayden Ashcroft and hooker Joel Luani both played well. Halfback Jake Butfield had a good kicking game, was busy in attack and was very strong in defence. All the Jersey Flegg players who played in the second half were very good, especially forwards Giordan Patea and Sam Radovu, combining for strong carries and aggressive defence. Young half Brandon Wakeham showed some good signs and did not look out of place.
Trial: Jersey Flegg: Won 32-24 over Mounties
Both teams were physical in this clash at Aubrey Keech Reserve. Brandon Wakeham only played 30 minutes but guided the team around the park well and had two try assists in his time on the field. Other strong performers were Giordan Patea, Sam Radovu and hooker Reuben Taylor who was very solid defensively and always dangerous out of dummy half. Tui Katoa and Frank Kuresa made effective yardage gains from off their wing and both scored tries on the day. Defensively, the Bulldogs still have some work to do, but the effort from the whole group has been extraordinary and can’t be faulted.
Round 2: SG Ball: Lost 34-16 to Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks had the benefit of a sheer weight of possession and it showed on the scoreboard. Trailing 22-6 at half-time, it was always going to be an uphill battle for the boys in the second half. They stuck solid and fought hard until the end of the match, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. Our best performers were Jackson Tipene and Kurt Picken.
Round 2: Harold Matthews Cup: Lost 30-6 to Cronulla Sharks
The Bulldogs expected a tough game but were outplayed by a dominant Sharks side. It was a disappointing performance from a Canterbury team who had a poor completion rate. Kevin Maungaati was the Bulldogs’ best player – he kept trying in a team that was well beaten.
Round 2: Tarsha Gale Cup: Lost 70-18 to Cronulla Sharks
The Bulldogs came up against a talented and skilful Cronulla side at Allen Andrews Playing Fields, and a had a tough day out on Saturday. Going forward, the ladies are looking to focus on their strengths and to complete their sets of six. The team remains positive and is eager to keep working hard to reach their goals for this season.
