Academy Wrap Round 7: Comebacks Highlight Clean Sweep

Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki was pleased with the win, highlighting the opportunity for the side to experience an interstate trip.  

It was our first away trip as a team - an early start, but we achieved what we set out to do and came home with the two points," she said.

"We knew Melbourne were coming off a strong win, so it was important that we played well." 

Harold Matthews Cup: Bulldogs 26 def Magpies 24

It was a comeback for the ages for the Harold Matthews Cup side, who stormed home from 24-6 down to claim a famous 26-24 win against the Western Suburbs Magpies at Kirkham Oval in Campbelltown.

Both sides went tit for tat early with tries in the first ten minutes, before the hosts flexed their muscles with three more scores before the break, taking an 18-6 lead.

The Magpies scored another to extend their lead, but the Bulldogs got to work quickly with four tries in the span of 12 minutes, including a double to Ezekiel Stanley-Ligaiviu. The halfback also proved clutch with three goals, including the match winner with just two minutes remaining. 

The victory proved to be a memorable one for Head Coach Mark O'Meley. 

"It was a brutal and physical contest out in Camden," he said. 

We had to endure a long delay at half-time due to thunderstorms, while losing three players forced a reshuffle in the team. A big focus for us throughout the pre-season was giving players reps in multiple positions, and that preparation certainly paid off. 

"The resilience and fight shown in the second half was outstanding, with the team clawing their way back to secure a hard-fought victory." 

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 46 def Storm 14

The Bulldogs' Tarsha Gale Cup side has bounced back in style with a 46-14 victory over the Melbourne Storm in Casey Fields, Victoria. 

After suffering their first defeat of the season last week, the Bulldogs put their southern rivals to the sword with a nine-try performance that saw Shafenior Liu and Isapela Akolo bag doubles.

Taking a commanding 28-6 lead at the break, the Bulldogs got on with the job to score a further four tries with the result well beyond doubt. 

For Head Coach Charlotte Henry, the side's preparation proved to be the catalyst for victory.  

"Having a road trip to Melbourne in Multicultural Round was special," she said.

The girls prepared well, traveled well and were determined to get back in the winners' circle. It was a mixed game filled with forced errors and some structured footy. 

"We just need to keep working on our focus and attention to detail." 

SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 26 def Magpies 22

Just like their Harold Matthews Cup counterparts, the SG Ball Cup Bulldogs completed a miracle comeback against the Western Suburbs Magpies at Kirkham Oval in Camden.

In similar circumstances, the young Dogs found themselves down 22-4 at the break following a blitz from the Magpies after they took advantage of a sin bin.

Undeterred with the task ahead, the Blue and Whites surged in the second half, with Kaawyn Patterson and Paul Johnson getting the side to within six points, before late four-pointers to Matthew Barakat and Marcellus Iakopo completed the win. 

For Head Coach Steve Turner, it was a great response from the team after staring down the barrel of defeat. 

"The side showed plenty of character in their win over Wests," he said. 

We were disappointed with our first-half performance, but the response was exactly what we expected - more intent in defence, better control of possession, and a willingness to compete in every moment.

"It was a really pleasing win."