The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have come from behind to snatch a 15-all draw against the Western Suburbs Magpies in the 2023 Knock On Effect Cup at Lidcombe Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides started the match testing each other in the middle of the paddock with even possession share between both clubs.
Though it would be the home side who would open the scoring in the 17th minute through winger Sione Hopoate. Hopoate doing plenty to fight his way and finish with the acrobatic put down in the right corner to breakthrough the Bulldog's defence.
Canterbury-Bankstown would hit back to draw the match in the 31st minute. The Bulldog's taking advantage of an overlap down the Magpies right edge defence which saw Jackson Topine dive over for his side's first.
Match: Magpies v Bulldogs
Round 17 -
home Team
Magpies
11th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
1st Position
Venue: Lidcombe Oval, Sydney
However it would be the Western Suburbs who would pip their noses in front before the main break. Back-rower Brandon Mansfield stealing an 8-4 lead at the hooter.
Canterbury-Bankstown kicked off the second half with purpose. Halfback Bailey Hayward putting through a well weighted cross-field kick for left centre Ethan Quai-Ward to regather and score. Drawing the match at 8-all inside 46 minutes.
Starved of the ball early in the second half, the Magpies would break through the Bulldog's defence midfield. Releasing Wester Suburbs left centre Livai Saukuru to dash down the left flank to take a 14-8 lead after 58 minutes.
The Bulldog's were desperate to climb their way back on even terms, spending several minutes camped inside the Magpies half.
Halfback Hayward saw an opportunity to chip behind the Western Suburbs defence, with the ball ricocheting off several players to find it's way into the hands of forward Ryan Sutton. The prop diving on the loose ball to the draw the match 14-all after Hayward converted from near in front.
The game took a turn when the Magpies built some momentum, kicking to the corners to pressure the Bulldog's in their own 50. Laying a platform for halfback Will Smith to slot a 1-point field goal to take a 15-14 lead in 78th minute.
Canterbury-Bankstown would recover the ball, after the Magpies dropped the short kick off at the restart. With just over a minute left on the clock, the Bulldog's forwards push through Magpies defence off the scrum to make vital yardage up the middle.
With the last play of the game, Bailey Hayward stepped up in the pocket to slot the field goal from 25 metres out.
Canterbury-Bankstown stealing a last grasp 15-all draw against the Western Suburbs at Lidcombe Oval on Saturday afternoon in the 2023 NSW Knock-On Effect Cup.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 15 (Tries: Ryan Sutton, Ethan Quai-Ward, Jackson Topine; Goals: Bailey Hayward; Field Goal: Bailey Hayward) draw Western Suburbs Magpies 15 (Tries: Sione Hopoate, Brandon Mansfield, Livai Saukuru; Goals: Will Smith; Field Goal: Will Smith)
