THE Mollymook Golf Club Bulldogs in their first hit-out for 2016 played a 12-all draw with Group 6 club Moss Vale at Bill Andriski Oval on Saturday. Due to the balmy conditions the fixture started at 5pm when the temperature had fallen.
The fixture was played in three periods with the potential first grade side taking the field including Blake Mackie, Lachie Moore, Dale Hammond, Jimmy Little, Dale Berry, Adam Bliss, Dillon Doyle, Ben Evans, Nick Goodman, Greg Houghton, Garry Warburton, Jessie Bradford, Jed Shepherd, Jamie Willis, Cruize Turay and Nathan Meredith.
Both sides had difficulty in holding possession and Garry Warburton scored in the fourth minute. Fillipino International Blake Mackie crossed in the 12th minute after several lost opportunities only to be called back. Up and coming Dale Hammond scored in the 12th minute to give the Dogs an 8/0 lead.
In the second period Mick Hampson's Reserve graders took the field represented by Liam Matika, Cruize Turay, Matt Cook, Jeremiah Organ, Santino Battagliolo, Rory Smith, Will Lynch, Lewis Overall, Matt Zuzic, Tyler Clark, Josh Pender, Matt Preslan and Andy George.
Moss Vale took advantage of the change in class and took the lead with Ethan Kelly, “Boof” Phelps and Luke Hudd scoring tries. Moss Vale held Milton Ulladulla scoreless in this period however Rory Smith, Tyler Clark and Matt Zuzic showed that their good form had carried over from 2015 and will see them along with many others vying for a spot in “Funnel” Morrison's top 17.
In the final period the Dogs held Moss Vale scoreless and Milton's three-quarter Lachie Moore scored for the Dogs to end the match in a draw.
In their first hit-out, both clubs were rusty and handling was generally poor with both losing possession at vital stages.
Both coaches were happy with their teams’ performances and said that fitness levels were satisfactory but execution needed a lot of work over the next two weeks. The good thing was that no major injuries were sustained.
Supporters will be looking to Stone, Lynch, Waqa, Tooth and McKinnon having a hit-out against De La Salle prior to the start of the competition proper. Wells and Lofts are also almost ready to come back in. Wells was a stand-out last year and after leaving the club as a junior joined the NRL with Canterbury Bankstown and later Manly Warringah.
President Greg Cassin told the Times that he was happy with the attendence at the trial game.
The next trial for the Mollymook Golf Club Bulldogs will be held on March 12 at Bill Andriski Oval when “Funnel” Morrison's firsts will take on Cronulla De La Salle from the Shire and the WLT, Under 18's and Reserve Grade will take on Woodbridge Cup holders Binalong from the Riverina.
