The Canterbury- Bankstown Bulldogs have defeated the St George Illawarra Dragons, 16-2 after a strong performance in front of 24,083 fans at ANZ Stadium.
The Bulldogs have now won their last 10 out of 11 clashes against the Dragons.
Bulldogs keep Dragons try-less
The Bulldogs defended their line terrifically on Monday afternoon, holding off the Dragons from scoring any tries. The Bulldogs also successfully shut down the Dragons play makers (five-eighth Gareth Widdop & halfback Josh McCrone) after both having a quiet game.
The only points the Dragons managed to put on was in the 21st minute after receiving a penalty and opting to take the kick.
The Dragons seemed to struggle through the middle in their last attacking options, especially after Gareth Widdop decided multiple times to kick early which didn’t go their way. They were quiet in many areas but through the middle and being creative seemed to be lacking.
Michael Lichaa scores his first try of the season
Michael Lichaa has copped a lot of criticism from NRL fans over the past couple of weeks, but today he displayed determination and courage for the Bulldogs. Making the most tackle within his team (32 tackles), scoring a try in the 69th minute and a line break; so fair to say Lichaa definitely impressed.
He looked more likely to take on the opposition and run at the line which would be a great confidence booster for him. Lichaa’s performance was probably his best of the season and will most likely secure the blue and white number nine jersey.
Chase Stanley’s return a success!!
Chase Stanley made his come-back to the NRL after being on the sideline for 14 months due to an ACL injury. Stanley has recently returned to the Intrust Super Premiership side where he must’ve impressed Des Hasler as the 27-year-old replaced fan favourite Brenko Lee in the centres.
Des Hasler included Chase Stanley in the starting side as a centre alongside Josh Morris and Stanley did not disappoint after playing a crucial role defending the line.
He particularly impressed in defence making a total of 14 tackles and doing a terrific job in defending his side.
Brett Morris misses opening opportunity
The opening minutes of the game was crucial for both sides as they both seemed determined yet struggled to get over the line.
In the 8th minute the Bulldogs had a terrific piece of play after passing it a long the left side of the field before Josh Morris gave his brother Brett a perfect pass on the wing to score, however Brett was unable to hang on and lost the ball forward.
It would’ve been a certain try if he held on and grounded the ball annd exactly what the Bulldogs were searching for after being down 2-0 early on.
Re-watch the missed opportunity here- Credit to fox sports- bit.ly/2rh7sgD
Final Score
Bulldogs: 16 3 (Tries: Josh Morris, Michael Lichaa and Marcelo Montoya; 2/3 Conversions: Moses Mbye)
Dragons 2 (Penalty Goal: Gareth Widdop)
