Academy Wrap Round 8: Minor Premiership Up For Grabs

Hala bagged a double upon resumption, while Leilani Kavapalu put the result to rest with a four-pointer in the 52nd minute. 

Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki while pleased with the victory, was stern in her assessment. 

"We'll take the two points, but it was a scrappy performance and we know we need to be better heading into finals," Foliaki said.

"Too many errors and lapses in discipline put us under pressure, and that's something we need to clean up quickly." 

Harold Matthews Cup: Bulldogs 8 def by Tigers 30

It was a tough defeat for the Harold Matthews Cup, downed 30-8 against the Balmain Tigers at Leichhardt Oval with a number of youngsters playing their first match for the side. 

After conceding three early tries, the Bulldogs got on the board with Omar Issa crossing in the 24th minute for a 12-4 half-time score. Immediately on the other side of the break, Evander Tafua crossed to close the gap. However, the three more tries saw the home side claim victory. 

Head Coach Mark O'Meley summed up his youthful side's performance.

"We had a few boys playing their first Harold Matthews Cup match, which is a great achievement for them and something they should be very proud of," he said. 

"While we created some early opportunities, we didn't capitalise on them. When the momentum shifted, we struggled to control the ruck which left our edges exposed.

"it's another reminder of how important our end of sets are in building pressure and controlling the game." 

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 22 def Tigers 12

The Tarsha Gale Cup continued their strong vein of form with a 22-12 victory over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt which keeps them within striking distance of claiming the Minor Premiership. 

Tiare-Anne Leauga claimed the match's opening two tries as the Bulldogs took a narrow 10-4 lead at the break after the hosts struck late.

However, the second half was all Blue and White with Olivia Vaalele (35th minute) and Terongomaianiwaniwa Williams (46th minute) extended the lead. While the Tigers hit back, it was too little too late as the Bulldogs marched to their sixth win of the season. 

Head Coach Charlotte Henry was honest in her assessment following the match. 

"It wasn't our best performance, and we definitely made the job harder for ourselves than it needed to be," she said. 

"We just need to eliminate errors and hold onto the ball. That will create momentum and build pressure as we head into the finals." 

SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 42 def Tigers 10

The SG Ball Cup team flexed their attacking muscles against the Balmain Tigers at Leichhardt Oval, with a 42-10 victory. 

The Bulldogs were dominant on both sides of the half, with a 20-6 lead at the break eventually saw the side score eight tries, including a double to Wesley Papalii-Afoa. 

Head Coach Steve Turner was certainly pleased with the win. 

"Our effort areas set the tone early," he said.

"We showed defence, discipline, and control through the middle and in the second half we showed composure to build pressure and take our chance."