2021 NRL Round 14, Bulldogs 28 Dragons 6 – Report

Craig Cauchi reviews the Monday afternoon match between the Bulldogs and the Dragons. Here’s how the game went.

SCOREBOARD

Player of the Year Points

3 pts – Luke Thompson (Bulldogs)
2 pts – Jake Averillo (Bulldogs)
1 pt – Jeremy Marshall-King (Bulldogs)

MATCH REPORT

1st Half

The Bulldogs were rewarded for their direct play with an infringement allowing them to open the scoring with a penalty goal. Josh Jackson led the Bulldogs forwards up the middle of the field against a Dragons side that appeared a little lethargic in defence. The Bulldogs were impressive with the only negative being their kick options that released a lot of the pressure on the Dragons. Brayden Wiliame crossed for the first try, chasing down a lovely timed kick from Corey Norman. The Dragons were guilty of giving away too many repeat sets but it was Josh Jackson marched from the field with the Bulldogs skipper sent to the sinbin for repeated infringements. It spurred the Bulldogs on as they marched down field, and with a rushing defence, Jake Averillo ran the ball over the line untouched. Jackson returned to the field without the Dragons scoring a point and he was in the play as he helped trap Ravalawa in goal for a dropout.

HALF-TIME: Bulldogs 8 Dragons 6

2nd Half

The Bulldogs came out firing in the first half with an early shift and a lovely offload from Nick Meaney gave Jake Averillo the space to burn the chasing defenders. It got better with Jeremy Marshall-King helping himself to an easy try with the Dragons goal line defence rushing up and leaving the space open for the dummy half to extend the lead. The Dragons attack lacked cohesion as they searched for points and with a high tackle penalty, the Bulldogs kicked a further two points ahead. The Bulldogs locked down a dominant performance with Adam Elliot swatting off the Dragons defenders to seal their second win for the year. Another penalty for a high shot allowed the Bulldogs to round the match out with another penalty goal.

FULL-TIME: Bulldogs 28 Dragons 6

Injuries

NA

Match Review Committee

Jackson Ford (Dragons) – Grade 1 Contrary Conduct – Early Guilty Plea $1,350 fine, Guilty at Judiciary $1,800 fine.

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