Perfect conditions greeted the players for the second week in succession and with a game under their belt both teams were looking forward to the game. The Bulldogs took the acendancy early with a fine goal from the boundary by Tom Sattherwaite and controlled aggression but let themselves down with poor kicking for goal and a lack of composure but went into the 1/4 time break leading 3.6.24 to 1.0.6. Ryan Marshall was running hard from half back and new pup James was finding his size 14 feet near the goals while Matt Crighton was having a tough duel with Blues superboot Richard Bradley.
Second quarter saw another titanic struggle of the half back lines with few smooth entries into the forward 50m area. The Bulldogs kept their cool and were more accurate around the goals going into the 1/2 time break leading 6.9.45 to 1.2.8. Captain Steve Langridge was having a battle royale with Mr Snapshot Richie Marsden and the Bulldogs midfielders were taking turns trying to haul in perennial ballwinner James Bowden.
3rd quarter saw an injection of enthusiasm from the Bulldogs bench with Sam, Robbie & Jacob sniffing around everywhere. The Bulldogs were a little indirect and didn't stick to the game plan for the whole quarter and allowed the Blues to kick 2 goals and win the quarter. The backline were under continual pressure but held up admirably. A couple of contentious decisions seemed to unsettle the Blues and the Bulldogs were able to steady the ship with a couple of goals to keep the scoreboard looking respectable.
3/4 time and the water was passed around to rehydrate the Bulldogs for one last surge. An early goal to the red & blacks seemed to take the heat out of the game and for the rest of the quarter the Bulldogs peppered the goals with little to show for it and wasted some opportunities, kicking 2 goals 7 with the final scoreline showing a 47 point victory to the Bulldogs 10.19.79 to 4.8.32.
Last Modified on 17/09/2009 20:02