Academy Wrap Round 5: Bulldogs Put Half Century on Warriors

The Lisa Fiaola Cup side claimed an impressive 34-14 victory against the Penrith Panthers at Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub in Rooty Hill.

It was a dominant first-half performance that secured the victory, with a 24-6 half-time score thanks to a double to Shakira Liu and tries to Raneh Siteine, Finnlay Burchell and Zion Sumeo.

Four-pointers to Suraya King and Jaida Taoai sealed the 20-point victory, with the Lisa Fiaola Cup side sitting at the top of the ladder.

Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki was pleased with the result, highlight the side's ability to narrow their focus despite facing early adversity.

"We knew coming into this game that Penrith were going to be strong," Foliaki said.

We had a few late changes to our team, but the girls handled it well and got on with the job.

"We stuck to our game plan for the full 60 minutes and came away with a good win." 

Harold Matthews Cup: Bulldogs 26 def Warriors 16

The Harold Matthews Cup side scored a well-earned victory over defending Premiers, the New Zealand Warriors, 26-16 at Hammondville Oval. 

Canterbury got on the board early with two tries in the opening ten minutes, while the visitors struck back for a 10-6 half-time scoreline. 

The two sides went back and forth once again, before late tries to Frank Koro and Riley Schafer secured the result. 

Head Coach Mark O'Meley cited the side's effort in defence as the catalyst for victory. 

"In tough, humid conditions, it was a game that turned into a hard-fought contest that went back and forth throughout," 

During the week our focus was to bring attention back ourselves and work on improving balance in attack. What stood out most was the effort in defence in difficult conditions. The boys worked hard to control the middle of the field which repeatedly kept the Warriors inside their own end. 

"The boys showed great resilience and composure late in the game to secure victory."

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 26 def Panthers 20

The Tarsha Gale Cup survived a late scare to jump to the top of the ladder with a 26-20 victory over the Penrith Panthers.

A double to Shafenior Luis as well as tries to Giovanna Suani and Josinah Filisi-Tauiliili saw the Blue and White take a commanding 22-6 lead at the break.

A four-pointer to Isapela Akolo proved to be the difference, with Penrith's late fightback thwarted as the Bulldogs held on to record a six-point win and remain undefeated. 

Head Coach Charlotte Henry was glowing with pride following the full-time hooter. 

"This game was everything we knew it would be," Henry said.

We prepared all week to play in the trenches and arm wrestle for the entirety of the game.

"I'm proud to see the side dig deep and show character to get the win."

SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 50 def Warriors 4

It was a resounding victory for the Bulldogs' SG Ball Cup side, with a thumping 50-4 win over the New Zealand Warriors at Hammondville Oval.

A fast start saw the Bulldogs run away to a 20-4 lead at the break, with Wesley Papalii-Afoa bagging a double in the space of the opening six minutes. 

The momentum continued in the second stanza with a shutout of the Warriors as Zain Alameddine ran in a hat-trick, while Matthew Barakat, Elsiyah Laumatia and Jai Callaghan added their names to the scoresheet. 

Head Coach Steve Turner was proud of the effort in the ten-try rout. 

It was a tough, physical contest and the team showed great resilience to stay disciplined and stick to the game plan for the 70 minutes. The players worked hard for each other, allowing them to build pressure and take our opportunities where they came.

"There are still areas we'll look to improve on, but it was a strong performance and a good reward for the work they've been putting in."