Pathways Wrap Round 20: Flegg Thump Tigers

Via NSWRL.com.au 

The Bulldogs NSW Cup side were pipped by the Western Suburbs Magpies in a high-scoring, high thrills 36-30 defeat at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday. 

The Magpies drew first blood through centre Solomone Saukuru, who powered over off a smart left-edge play inside the opening ten minutes, with halfback Jock Madden adding the extras to make it 6-0. The Bulldogs responded quickly, with Bronson Xerri stepping Magpies fullback Heath Mason to score with Jonathan Sua adding the extra’s to level the scores at 6-all.

Alex Conti proved decisive in the first half, threading a grubber on the fifth tackle for captain Logan Spinks to pounce and give Canterbury a 12-6 lead. However, the Magpies responded with two tries in quick succession through Junior Tupou and Saukuru’s second of the afternoon, courtesy of their lethal left-edge combination, to swing the lead back to the Magpies at 16-12.

In the lead up to half-time, Mason produced two moments of magic, securing a double and handing the Magpies a commanding 28-12 buffer at the break after Madden finished with four conversions from their five first-half tries.

The second half continued at a relentless pace. Faaletino Tavana crossed out wide after a Madden 40/20 created the platform, pushing the margin out to 20 points with just over 30 minutes remaining.

The Bulldogs mounted a remarkable fightback in the final 20 minutes, with Marcelo Montoya, Alekolasimi Jones, and Jonathan Sua all crossing the try line. The margin was trimmed to six points with under five minutes to go, sending the Belmore crowd into a frenzy.

But for all the Bulldogs' courage and grit in the closing stages, the Magpies held firm, surviving a 36-30 victory

NSW Women's Premiership: Bulldogs 20 def by Sharks 24

It was another heartbreaking defeat for the NSW Women's Premiership side, downed 24-20 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Henson Park.

In a brave effort, the Bulldogs trailed by just two points in the first half after tries to young trio Milahn Ieremia (6th minute), Giovanna Suani (19th) and Paea Uilou (25th).

The Bulldogs then took the lead with Leteena Medland crashing over, with the scoreboard at 20-16 with 18 minutes on the clock.

Unfortunately, the Sharks struck back twice in quick succession to reclaim the lead, with the final score reading 24-20. 

Jersey Flegg Cup: Bulldogs 38 def Opponent 12

The Bulldogs Jersey Flegg Cup side have ascended into second position on the ladder with a 38-12 thumping of the Wests Tigers at Belmore Sports Ground.

It was a dominant performance from start to finish with the Bulldogs touching down three times in the opening 14 minutes with Bronson Reuben, Chelden Hayward and Maila Setu touching down. Jayden Smith added his name to the scoresheet for a dominant 16-nil lead.

The Tigers hit back early on, but the Bulldogs regained the momentum with Setu, Reuben and Hayward bagging their doubles as the lead extended further, while Marcellus Iakopo and Joseph Teaupa also scored four-pointers. 

Wests scored a consolation try in the dying stages, but it was the Blue and Whites running away with a 26-point victory on home soil. 

Ron Massey Cup: Bulldogs 24 draw with Brothers 24

A penalty goal in the dying stages saw the Bulldogs claw their way out of defeat to draw 24-all with Brothers Penrith at Hammondville Oval. 

In a close contest, the Blue and Whites took a 16-12 halftime lead after tries to Mikaele Senibua (3rd minute), Damon Humphrys (15th minute) and Elsiyah Laumatia (25th). 

Brothers returned serve early in the second stanza, before Lisiate Fa'aoso extended. However, the game was in the balance with 20 minute remaining as the visitors touched down, with the conversion giving them the outright lead. 

But cometh the hour, cometh the man, Humphrys booted a penalty in the 79th minute to level, with both sides coming away with a solitary competition point.