The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs defeated the Cronulla Sharks by two points on Sunday afternoon at ANZ Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
It didn’t take very long for the Bulldogs to score, with Will Hopoate crossing after just four minutes. The second and final try for the home team came from Dallin Watene-Zelezniak not too long after. The Bulldogs had a 14-point lead after just 20 minutes.
The Sharks started really slow and didn’t leave themselves many opportunities to score points and get on top of their opposition. Their first try came from Sosaia Feki after half an hour of play. A few minutes later, Shaun Johnson crossed for their second try. Johnson was unable to convert either try.
The Bulldogs led by 6 at half time, however, the Sharks looked better going into the break.
Cronulla winger Josh Dugan scored the first and only points of the second half. Johnson was once again unable to convert the try. The score remained 14-12.
The remainder of a game was the Sharks trying to get ahead, while the Bulldogs were trying to stay ahead. Cronulla had an opportunity when Jack Williams ran for 80 metres, however, fell just short of the line.
The Bulldogs held onto their two-point lead, claiming their fourth victory of the season.
FOUR POINTERS
Woeful Effort from Cronulla
A slow start and 16 errors hurt the Sharks in their attempt to defeat the Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon. It was a poor team performance from Cronulla – despite having a near full-strength side on the field – limiting their opportunities. They came close to a win late in the game, however, fell just short of scoring a try.
Happy Debut from Wakeham
20-year-old Brandon Wakeham got the call he would make his NRL debut, starting off the bench. After an injury to Kieran Foran, he joined Jack Cogger in the halves, and fit in nicely. It was a solid effort from the young player, and definitely a debut to remember.
Conversions Count
The Sharks scored three tries, while the Bulldogs only scored two. However, Johnson was unable to convert any of Cronulla’s tries, leaving them without six crucial game points that would have led them to a win.
4-Game Losing Streak Snapped
The Bulldogs get to celebrate their first win since round ten, snapping a four-game losing streak. This was an important result for the side, and, despite their position on the ladder, should give them a boost of confidence in the coming weeks.
THE RESULT
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 14
Tries: Will Hopoate, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Goals: Nick Meaney 3/3
Cronulla Sharks 12
Tries: Sosaia Feki, Shaun Johnson, Josh Dugan
Goals: Shaun Johnson 0/3
SQUADS
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: 1. Dalin Watene-Zelezniak, 2. Nick Meaney, 3. Marcelo Montoya, 4. Will Hopoate, 5. Reimis Smith, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Jack Cogger, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Michael Lichaa, 10. Dylan Napa, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Corey Harawira-Naera, 13. Chris Smith INTERCHANGE 16. Ofahiki Ogden, 17. Sauaso Sue, 18. Brandon Wakeham, 21. Adam Elliott
Cronulla Sharks: 1. Matt Moylan, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Josh Dugan, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Chad Townsend, 16. Jack Williams, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Paul Gallen INTERCHANGE 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 15. Jayson Bukuya, 17. Kurt Capewell, 21. Aaron Woods
