HISTORY was in the making last Sunday at Flinders Field when two young American gridiron players scored tries in the Group Seven first grade rugby league contest between Stingrays of Shellharbour and Milton-Ulladulla.
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Stingray centres Brandon Anderson from Atlanta, Georgia, and teammate Jay Robinson from Cinncinati, Ohio, are believed to be the first US gridiron players ever to score tries in the 122-year history of rugby league worldwide.
Last placed Stingrays started quickly last Sunday to race to a 16-0 lead after 16 minutes of play before the Dogs replied with tries by Paul Ardler, Alistair Flanders and Kirren Roughly.
The Rays went to the break leading 20-14.
It was during this stanza and later in the second half that promising Bulldog youngsters Jamie Wills, Kirren Roughly and Cruize Turay rose to the occasion in true Bulldog fashion.
The second half finalised one of the worst displays by the Dogs this season.
They lacked any form of direction, pushed passes, forfeited points and generally tripped over themselves trying to overtake the lowly placed Rays.
They drew level at 20-all at the 46th minute, then 26-all at the 74th minute before the Rays escaped to win 32-26.
This Sunday at Mollymook Oval, with the first game starting at 10.45am, the Dogs will welcome cellar-dwellers Albion Park-Oak Flats.
It’s a must win game if the Dogs are to keep in sight of the leading bunch.
Gerringong drew level with Jamberoo last week after downing the Roos 18-12.
Warilla downed Albion Park 36-16, Sharks won 60-16 over Port Kembla and the Nowra Jets beat Berry 52-22.
The first grade competition is starting to take shape after seven rounds as Jamberoo, Gerringong and Warilla (12) share the lead from Sharks and Kiama (10) with Nowra Jets, Milton-Ulladulla and Port Kembla (6) with Stingrays (4) and Berry and Albion Park (2) bringing up the rear.
“Anyone who does not watch rugby league is not a real person.” – Sydney millionare John Singleton.