After months of planning the day finally arrived and the Bulldogs were keen to get the year off to a good start against the Otago Riot. Starting the day with a Kiwikick session for a group of local kids and hopefully future Bulldogs. With several locals helping to set up the field and wave the flags the scene was set for a great day of footy in the sun.
The game got underway at 2.30pm in warm conditions with the Bulldogs kicking to the Mt Cook end. After several forward forays the Bulldogs scored the first goal, soccered off the ground by the coach (who went on to miss 2 easy shots, banishing himself to the backline in the process). New boys Toby, Todd & Ryan Marshall were lively around the ground and new ruckman Steve Howard was giving the midfielders first use of the ball. The Bulldogs' innaccuracy was keeping the Otago boys in the game and they went into the 1/4 time break leading 2.8.20 to 1.2.8.
The second quarter was another battle of the halfback lines and scoring shots were few & far between. The smaller dimensions of the ground were proving an issue with the Bulldogs' forward structure and Rioters were able to prevent the Bulldogs from capitalising on their midfield dominance. The interchange bench was being rolled over and new players Tom, Jacob and Jaques were full of endeavour and Simon was loping down the wing and getting involved with many a tussle. The Bulldogs held a handy 4 goal lead at halftime.
Halftime saw a number of positional changes for the Bulldogs and during the 3rd quarter the team battled hard but struggled to find their rhythm. This period also saw the Rioters grow in confidence and if it wasn't for some strong defensive work from captain Steve Langridge and new pup Matt Crighton the Otago boys may have been in with a sniff at 3/4 time.
The final quarter started well for the Bulldogs with a couple of quick goals at the clubhouse end. To their credit the Riot boys battled the game out and can hold their heads up and start preparing for their next match against the Canterbury senior team in October.
The final score read Christchurch Bulldogs 11.12.78 Otago Riot 7.9.51.
Best players for the Bulldogs: Ryan Marshall, Todd Andrews, Steve Howard, Matt Crighton, Toby Bennie
