DOGS BITE BACK AT THE BEARS
We knew the winning streak was bound to end, but what a glorious 9 rounds we had! Last Saturday we headed to Belmore to take on the Dogs for Round 22 of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup. Although the Bulldogs were first on the board with an early penalty kick it was the Bears who crossed the white line first with a long-range break by Sua Fa’alogo who offloaded to a supporting Allan Fitzgibbon who dived over the line. Kieran Hayman converted and the Bears lead 2 – 6. The lead didn’t last long as the Bulldogs retaliated swiftly, finding holes in our defensive line to runΒ a full field try and convert to take back the lead 8 – 6. Ex-Bear Drew Hutchison’sΒ kicking game and play control was on point, nabbing a 40/20 to keep momentum with the blue and white. Only three minutes later, the Dogs found the try line again sliding over in the corner and converting to extend their lead. With 7.5 minutes remaining in the first half Fa’alogo makes a great break to get the Bears down the field. On the next play the ball findsΒ Fitzgibbon,Β passes to Reimis Smith who chips and chases getting a hand to the ball after a Bulldogs fumble over the try line. Hayman uncharacteristicallyΒ misses the conversion. Another penalty goal to the Bulldogs just before half time seesΒ the boys head to the sheds down 16Β – 10.
