
It was a strong start for the Club’s Academy in Round 1 of their respective seasons, with three wins from four matches, including two massive wins in the women’s competitions over Norths.
In Round 2, the men’s teams will host Western Suburbs at Hammondville Oval, while the women’s sides travel west to face the Penrith Panthers.
Lisa Fiaola Cup: Bulldogs 62 def Bears 0
Match: Bears v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Bears
away Team
Bulldogs
Venue: Hills Grammar, Kenthurst
It was a dream start for new Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki, with her fledgling side putting the North Sydney to the sword in a 12-tries to nil demolition at Hills Grammar in Kenthurst.
Wingers Shakira Lui and Lala Vaea, second rower Aliahana Fuimaono as well as Captain Evelyn Roberts bagged doubles, while fullback Shanthie Lui kicked six goals.
Foliaki was no doubt pleased with the result, but insisted that there is plenty more to come from her enthusiastic side.
“I was very impressed with the overall performance,” she said.
We built our pre-season around being good at our one-percenters and our effort areas, so to keep the Bears to nil was a credit to all the hard work that has been put in by the players.
“Whilst we enjoyed a great win to start our campaign, we know there is still plenty of room for improvement.”
Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 48 def Bears 4
Match: Bears v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Bears
away Team
Bulldogs
Venue: Hills Grammar, Kenthurst
In similar fashion, the Tarsha Gale Cup side got their first win of the season against the Bears, scoring ten tries to one in a dominant display.
Second rower Lahnayah Daniel bagged a hat-trick, while winger Simina Lokotui scored a brace of tries in an impressive start to the season.
Head Coach Nik Wolfgramm, also in his first game in charge of the side, was content with the victory, but emphasised areas of improvement for his team.
“It was a good start to the season, and the girls put in a collective effort that was pleasing,” he said.
“Our emphasis this year will be our defence, and while we worked well in patches on the weekend, there is definitely room for improvement.”
Harold Matthews Cup: Bulldogs 22 def Raiders 18
Match: Raiders v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Bulldogs
Venue: Raiders Belconnen, Canberra
While the scoreline wasn’t as comprehensive as their female counterparts, life with the clipboard in hand for Head Coach Mark O’Meley began with a hard-earned victory as the side travelled down to the nation’s capital.
Powerful running and intent in the opening sets resulted in two quick tries for the side, while they overcame a sin binning at a crucial time of the match, with their character shining through.
“By all means we weren’t perfect, but the boys found a way and kept turning up and had each other’s backs,” O’Meley said.
They showed grit and desire to work for each other when the momentum went Canberra’s way. The character they showed working for each other is something they can hang their hat on.
According to the former prop, the star of the show was no doubt five-eighth and Captain Chinedu Udeh, who scored the game’s first try and kept his side in the contest.
“CJ led with desire to compete, was selfless in his play and it was a real reflection of our squad-first mentality,” O’Meley added.
“He’s been in our system for three years and it great to cap off a special day, steering the boys to victory on his birthday.”
SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 22 def by Raiders 40
Match: Raiders v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Bulldogs
Venue: Raiders Belconnen, Canberra
Despite mounting a fightback, the SG Ball side were unable to claim a win in Round 1, downed 22-40 against the Canberra Raiders down in the nation’s capital.
Steve Turner’s side put in a brave performance, clawing their way back from a 24-6 half-time score to close the deficit to six points, before the hosts regained control.
“It was a tough first half, but the team rallied to get themselves back in the game. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the result.” Turner said.
As a playing group and coaching group, you learn a lot from a loss and it’s how we refocus and regroup to improve what needs fixing ahead of Round 2.