THE Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs might have made roadkill of their chances this season after cellar-dwellers Albion Park-Oak Flats soundly took control of the second half of the match to run out 30-18 winners last Sunday at Mollymook Oval.
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Goal-kicking and penalties proved to be the dominant features of the contest as Eagles pivot Aaron Merrick booted five from six with the penalties favouring the visitors 13-4. In a see-sawing first half display, the lead changed six times after Steine Lofts for the Dogs scored in the 4th minute when ace prop forward Artie Scott and Mick Salafia combined to switch play to the short side.
The Eagles replied several minutes later with a converted Assapardi try then busy Bulldog rake forward Nic Goodman darted from dummy-half to score with Salafia making good the extras.
The Eagles regathered the lead 12-10 prior to Bulldog back-rower Walker crossing over wide out just before the break to send the Dogs to a 14-12 lead at the interval.
Bulldog prop forward Artie Scott rightly cemented his position as the best front-rower in the competition. Scott was absolutely dynamic in attack and his relentless drive in last weekends match certainly rates him the best prop to look through a Bulldog jumper since the famed Billy Brown a decade ago.
After Scott and Goodman contributed in despatching the aggressive Paul Ardler into the nor-western corner straight after the break, it appeared the Dogs would go on with the job at 18-12, however, an avalanche of penalties against the Dogs had them back-peddling. The Eagles quickly took advantage of the situation and added two smart converted tries to regather the lead at 24-18.
Dramatically, two major episodes of poor ball security by the home-side, resulted in Merrick booting a breathtaking penalty goal from the ocean sideline for the Eagles before Assapardi finished the bashing by grabbing his second try of the match.
The big question now in Group Seven first grade rugby league circles is, where do the Dogs go from here? Do they throw in the towel and just make up the numbers, or do they man-up and knuckle down to their task, attending training sessions, establishing teamwork and obtaining fitness.
This Saturday, the Dogs face Gerringong in first grade, reserve grade and under 18s starting at 11.45 at Mick Cronin Oval with the Bulldogs WLT taking on Shellharbour City Sharks this Sunday at Ron Costello Oval starting at 1pm.
“Matches are won and lost between Monday and Friday, not on weekends” – Jack Gibson.
