Academy Wrap Round 2: Bulldogs Continue Winning Ways

The Lisa Fiaola Cup side continued their strong start with another big win, this time with a resounding performance, 38 points to 4 against the Penrith Panthers.

While scores were level at 4-apiece after five minutes, the Bulldogs pulled through to take an 18-4 lead at the break, courtesy of a double to Shakira Liu and tries to Leevi Williams and Aliahana Fuimaono. 

Lui completed her hat-trick in the second half as the Bulldogs touched down a further four times to seal the win. 

Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki was pleased with the result, particularly the side's ability to seal the victory in the second half. 

"Round 2 was everything we expected it to be," Foliaki said.

"The scoreline is definitely not a reflection of how close the game was. We started off slowly but found our groove in the second half and managed to score some great tries. 

"It was a good challenge for us and highlighted a lot of areas that we will continue to work hard on during the season."

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 32 def Panthers 16

The Bulldogs Tarsha Gale Cup side also went two for two to start their campaign, coming away with a 32-16 win over the Panthers. 

Despite a closer scoreline than their younger counterparts, the Bulldogs were never in doubt, running up a 28-point buffer with just over ten minutes remaining, before the Panthers scored twice in the dying stages.

For Head Coach Nik Wolfgramm, it was a satisfying victory against a strong opponent.

"It was a good hit out for the girls against a strong and fast Penrith outfit," Wolfgramm explained.

After conceding points early, we slowly got into our process and ground out a good win. 

As expected, Penrith were going to be a step up and it definitely showed us where we need to improve."

Harold Matthews Cup: Bulldogs 18 def by Magpies 34

It was a tough afternoon at Hammondville Oval for the Harold Matthews Cup side, who were downed 34-18 to defending Premiers, Wests. 

The Bulldogs got on the board early with Captain Chinedu Udeh crossing, however a first-half blitz from the visitors built a 22-12 half-time lead, which ultimately set up the match. 

Still, Head Coach Mark O'Meley was positive about the lessons his fledgling side could learn to set them up for a successful campaign.

"The weekend's game would have been hard as a parent or support to watch, but it was a great day for learning about how important game management is," O'Meley said. 

"We need to win possession, complete sets and get to our kicks. We turned over too much possession and that will put our defensive line under extreme pressure with six to goes and penalties.

"The pleasing thing from the weekend is that the boys fought to the end and didn't die wondering."

SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 24 def Magpies 10

The Bulldogs SG Ball Cup side bounced back from their first round defeat to record a solid 24-10 victory over Wests at Hammondville Oval.

It was a close 6-4 scoreline at the break, but the Bulldogs pulled through despite a sin binning late in the match. 

Head Coach Steve Turner noted that the side's preparation helped to set up the victory after a tough loss in Round 1. 

"After a disappointing loss in the opening round of the season, the boys put in a good week of training to get their first win," he said.

It was a close first half, but we started the second half well, which set up the victory.

"There were plenty of positives to take away from the game as well as lessons for the playing group to continue to get better each week."