Academy Wrap Round 6: Dogs Demolish Bunnies

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have shot clear to the top of the Lisa Fiaola Cup ladder with a thumping 80-nil defeat of the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Hammondville Oval.

Having conceded just 16 points across their five matches so far, the Bulldogs ran in just as many tries against the Rabbitohs on Saturday. 

Shanthie Lui continued her impressive point-scoring form, tallying a quarter of the side's points with a try and eight goals, while winger Raneh Siteine scored an incredible six tries in the win.

Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki was very impressed with the victory. 

"This was easily the best game we have played all season with no points conceded and an impressive 75% completion rate," she said.

The score was a testament to the hard work that was put in by the team during the week.

"To be able to stick to the plan and execute it, I couldn't be more proud of the way we responded after a disappointing performance last week."

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 44 def Rabbitohs 0

It was yet another impressive performance from the Tarsha Gale Cup side, who sit in outright first position on the competition table following a 44-nil win over South Sydney.

The win marked the second time the team breached the 40-point margin, and have yet to finish a match with less than 22 points scored. 

Both halves were split evenly with 22 points apiece, while Josinah Filisi Tauiliili finished the match with an incredible four tries in a barnstorming front rower's performance. 

What made Head Coach Nik Wolfgramm most impressed, however, was his side's ability to keep their opponents scoreless. 

With a few key players out with niggling injuries, it was a chance to give some other squad members an opportunity to take the field," he said.

A strong defensive effort created pressure which turned into points. There was a lot of intent and effort, and definitely a move in the right direction for us and a great response from past efforts. 

"We will enjoy the weekend off and then start to focus on our next assignment against Newcastle."

Harold Matthews Cup: Bulldogs 12 def by Central Coast Roosters 40

It was a disappointing trip for the Harold Matthews Cup side, who were defeated 40-12 against the Central Coast Roosters.

The opposition started hard and fast to race to a 18-nil lead, before the Bulldogs closed the deficit with a try to Jaedyn Tuigamala-Nicholas in the dying stages of the first half.

However, the second stanza began in similar fashion, with the hosts running through with momentum as the Bulldogs' only other try coming via Vunivalu Niupalau. 

Head Coach Mark O'Meley was stern with his assessment of the match.  

"It was a very impressive week leading into the game, but sometimes preparation can fall short," he said.

"Errors put us under pressure against a red-hot Roosters team that capitalised on every opportunity presented. 

"When we did complete and hold our composure, they struggled to contain us but we couldn't ice the moments. 

"It has been a testing season learning about fast transitions, urgency and working for each other on and off the ball.

"However, we need to believe and trust the process and learn how to manage momentum."

SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 22 def by Balmain 30

A late brace of tries from Balmain consigned the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to a 30-22 defeat at Leichhardt Oval.

With a number of senior players in the squad making the move to the Jersey Flegg team for their Round 1 clash, it was a changing of the guard for the young side, who fought gallantly to take a 16-14 lead at the break.

Unfortunately, their 22-20 lead was overtaken by the home side, who scored two late tries in the final fifteen minutes to take the win. 

Head Coach Steve Turner believes the loss comes with a great lesson for his young side. 

"We started well against Balmain and led 10-nil after 15 minutes, but unfortunately, errors and discipline hurt us in the second half and the Tigers managed to grab a further three tries," he explained. 

Losses like these teach you good lessons in how to control a game, build pressure and why the simple things are important at this age.

"With no game this week, it's a great opportunity for the side to refocus and reset for the back end of the season."