Senior Pathways Wrap Round 16: Bulldogs Break Streak Against Raiders

by George Al-Akiki, NSWRL.com.au

The Bulldogs have nabbed their first win in six weeks coming out 30-18 winners over the Canberra Raiders in Round 16 of The Knock On Effect NSW Cup.

Canterbury opened the scoring after unleashing Jonathan Sua down the left hand side from his own half, before a quick shift back to the right put Enari Tuala through for his second try in as many games (6-0).

Canterbury’s growing ill discipline finally caught up to them on their line after a series of penalties saw the try scorer sent to the sin bin. 

Canberra capitalised two tackles later as halfback Ethan Sanders went short at the line putting second rower Noah Martin through a hole to level the score back up (6-6).

But the home side looked the more threatening in the next period even with 12 men, making it count when a timely offload from second rower Luke Spinks put fullback Blake Taaffe through to regain the lead (12-6).

The Raiders retaliated once more, running 80 metres as centre Kain Anderson scooped up a knock on and passed it on to his winger Jensen Taumoepeau, but a late penalty goal saw the Bulldogs head into the sheds with a narrow 14-12 lead.

Canterbury also struck first in the second half as five-eighth Cassius Tia spotted a small gap in the Canberra defence and put himself through with slick dummy and run to help extend the lead by eight (20-12).

Canberra continued to bang on the door and after 23 minutes into the second half they finally broke it down. Halfback Ethan Sanders noticed Taaffe briefly out of position and crafted a deft grubber through the line to find his halves partner Adam Cook under the sticks (20-18).

But it was the Bulldogs who made sure they ran out victors. With minutes remaining, Tia found a charging Spinks who rolled over the line putting the game to bed before the side added another through centre Luke Smith in the dying moments, Canterbury finishing 30-18 victors.

Talking Points

• Cassius Tia returned to the NSW Cup in excellent form. Aside from his four pointer, the five-eight crucially controlled the game with the boot, gaining his team great field position for much of the match.
• Canterbury’s discipline cost them at times. They twice failed to complete their sets after points which both times began periods of dominance from Canberra in the game.
• Ethan Sanders tried his best to steer his side with some smart plays and two try assists, but it wasn’t enough as Canberra slumped to their fifth consecutive loss.
• Fullback Blake Taaffe put in a dominant performance with tough yardage carries and threatening runs at the Canberra defensive line. He finished with a try, an assist and 5/6 goals.

Key Moment

With seven minutes to go and up by two, points were coming at a premium in the second half. Canterbury had two opportunities to take a shot on goal and defend a more comfortable four points, but the side backed their ability and their attack was rewarded with two tries to comfortably seal the match.  

What’s Next?

Both teams head back to the field next Friday when the Bulldogs head further west to face a Panthers side looking to break a two game losing streak, while Canberra are keen to snap their own as their road trip continues with a visit to the Hunter taking on the Knights.

Jersey Flegg Cup: Bulldogs 16 def by Raiders 24, Silktails 22 def Roosters 28

It was a hard defeat to stomach for the Jersey Flegg Cup Bulldogs, downed late in their Round 16 match at Belmore Sports Ground, 16-24 against the ladder-leading Canberra Raiders.

Hitting the ground early with tries to Jordi Mazzone (10th minute) and Alex Conti (18th), the Bulldogs took in a 16-6 lead against the top of the table Raiders thanks to a third try just before the break to Sosefo Finau.

Unfortunately, the young pups were run down in the second stanza, with their opponents scoring three further tries -  with a sin binning in the 73rd minute a blow to their chances of taking the two competition points. 

The Bulldogs now turn their attention to the Penrith Panthers on Friday night in their Round 17 clash at Parker Street Reserve.

Similarly, the Kaiviti Silktails were just seven points away from victory against the Sydney Roosters in their 28-22 defeat at Churchill Park in Lautoka. 

The Silktails kept up with their opponents after a strong first half that saw Mikaele Senibua and Melikiseteki Nacaginimasei touch down, trailing by just six points.

While the Roosters clicked into gear to extend their lead, the Silktails never wavered, with a late surge that saw Senibua scoring his second to bring the scoreline to 26-16 with ten remaining.

Adrea Ramabuke touched down in the final minute, however it was the clock that ultimately beat the Silktails, with the final scoreline of 28-22. 

In Round 17, the Silktails will host the Melbourne Storm at Churchill Park on Friday night. 

Ron Massey Cup: Bulldogs 34 def Bulls 28

The Bulldogs Ron Massey Cup side have snapped a six-match streak of defeats with a 34-28 win over the Hills Bulls at Crestwood Oval in Baulkham Hills.

The boys from Belmore were white-hot in their opening half, scoring five converted tries to gain a dominant 30-6 lead, with second rower Blair Tagi-Fuimaono going in for a double. 

While the Bulls fought back to come within two of the visitors, a late try to Lleyton Borg was enough to seal the result.

Five-eighth Ragarive Wavik finished the match with a ten-point tally with five goals to his name as the Bulldogs bagged their second win of the season. 

In Round 13, the Bulldogs face Brothers Penrith at Parker Street Reserve on Saturday night.