AN unbelievable five-week feast of Group Seven first grade rugby league games at Mollymook Oval starts this Sunday at 10.45am with the local derby between Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs and Nowra-Bomaderry Jets.
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The Bulldogs battalion of home-town supporters have been starved in recent weeks, however, that will all change when the Jets (10 points) land at the cauldron in what is expected to be a tight contest. The improved Jets currently remain just outside the five and can still mathematically grab a semi-final spot, but they have to keep putting wins together from this week. The Dogs (8) on the other paw, have done remarkably well for a team that doesn’t bother to train and generally lacks co-ordination, but to their credit, they try hard at what they know best.
The Jets have showed their worth over the past month and two weeks ago scored five tries to knock over top-five aspirants Warilla 27-13. Last week they continued their form by flattening newcomers Shellharbour Stingrays 34-24 in convincing style.
On Sunday, July 9, the eagerly awaited return clash between the Dogs and the Shellharbour Sharks (18) should be a heart stopper. At there last meeting the Sharks raced to a breathtaking 32-4 lead by halftime before the Dogs brilliantly and systematically outplayed their rivals in the second stanza to be narrowly outpointed 34-30. Last Sunday against Jamberoo (16) the Sharks prevailed with a 34-6 win in a runaway performance to join Gerringong and Kiama (18) as joint leaders.
On Saturday, July 15, a big crowd is expected at Mollymook Oval as Jamberoo try an avoid an ambush and regain some form against the sleeping Dogs. When they last met, the Roos were too slick around the rucks and their back-rowers finished off the game with four runaway tries to claim a solid 32-4 win.
Whilst the leading mob try to cement their spots in readiness for the semi-finals, another unsighted bunch each week battle to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon trophy.
Candidates now surfacing include the Bulldogs, Albion Park Oak-Flats, Berry Magpies and the Shellharbour Stingrays as all of them scramble each week to avoid a loss.
On Sunday, July 30, the Dogs take on Berry Magpies (6) at Mollymook Oval in four entertaining games starting at 10.45am. The Dogs have the bye on August 6 weekend, before tangling with the Warilla Gorillas (14) on Sunday, August 13 (away) then the Dogs make their last appearance at Mollymook Oval for the season against Shellharbour Stingrays on Sunday, August 20.