The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have been defeated in a tense contest in Townsville, 22-6 against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Bolstered by the inclusion of Co-Captain Tayla Preston, the Bulldogs fought bravely against adversity with a number of changes made throughout the contest.
In conditions contrasting the wet and chill of Sydney, the Blue and Whites ran out onto Queensland Country Bank Stadium to a balmy and sunny 22 degree day on a dry track.
Match: Cowboys v Bulldogs
Round 7 -
home Team
Cowboys
4th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
8th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Both sides traded errors in the opening stages of the contest, with neither able to gain momentum. Young gun Simina Lokotui showed she wouldn't be intimidated, putting a crunching shot on opposite Krystal Blackwell.
A 40/30 from Kirra Dibb put the Cowboys in prime position to score, but a desperation tackle from Ash Quinlan prevented a try in the corner. Andie Robinson's quick thinking just seconds later denied Jakiya Whitfeld after the fullback was pinged for a double movement.
Unfortunately a penalty put the home side in attacking position, with Dibb crossing, before converting her own try for a 6-nil lead after fifteen minutes.
Courtenay Crosses
Another penalty sent the Cowboys downfield, and it was another try soon after Lily Peacock touched down. The conversion saw the deficit at 12-nil.
Unfortunately, an error from a kick yet again saw the hosts with possession on the line, however this time, the defensive resolve held firm to hold their opposition over the line.
Needing to recoup, the Bulldogs burst through with Robinson and Lokotui, and while Moana Courtenay looked destined for the line, a desperation tackle from North Queensland kept the centre from touching down.
Quinlan was taken from the field soon after, with Anneka Wilson filling in at five-eighth, while Courtenay continued to cause trouble out wide.
Robinson With a Pearler of a Try-Saver
With the Cowboys' ill discipline creeping in, multiple sets on the line gave the Blue and White one more chance to reply before the break, with winger Elizabeth MacGregor denied inches from the line.
Putting plenty of emphasis on dominating the middle of the field, the Bulldogs forced the match turning into an arm wrestle upon resumption.
However, it was a tough break for the side after defending bravely on the line, with a grubber kick sneaking through for Whitfeld to score.
The Cowboys looked to go further ahead before a pearler of a tackle from Robinson saw the dynamic fullback fling Blackwell into touch just metres from the line.
The never-say-die Bulldogs continued to trouble their opponents through the middle, while Monica Tagoai fell agonisingly short of the line.
But the breakthrough try came as Shaniece Monschau burst through the line, with Courtenay cutting through and finishing off. Preston closed the deficit to twelve with eighteen on the clock.
Robinson stood up once again to prevent Blackwell from crossing once more, forcing an error with a clever tackle.
Wheeler Epitomises The Bulldogs Spirit
Battling through fatigue and the humidity, the Bulldogs continued to stand tall against adversity, however a late offload saw the hosts cross once more, sealing victory.
Another try in the dying stages sealed the result for the Cowboys - only for a trademark Holli Wheeler try-saver preventing the scoreline from extending further.
In Round 8, the Bulldogs will host the Canberra Raiders at the Club's spiritual home, Belmore Sports Ground.
Be there next Saturday afternoon for an epic double header - with tickets available for just $10! Kids aged 4-17 go free when purchasing an Adult Ticket.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 6 (Moana Courtenay try; Tayla Preston goal; def by North Queensland Cowboys 22 (Kirra Dibb, Lily Peacock, Jakiya Whitfeld, Jasmine Peters tries; Kirra Dibb 3 goals)
