NYC Rd 18 Wests Tigers 16 Canterbury 22

by NRL

A grinding 22-16 win over the Wests Tigers at Allianz Stadium has seen the Bulldogs NYC team solidify their top 4 position on the ladder and claim the valuable two competition points.

The Bulldogs young guns got off to a great start, earning a penalty on their opening set.

Exciting end to end football and ruthless defence from both teams kept the game scoreless until the 19th minute when barnstorming front rower David Klemmer opened up the score with a strong individual try. Klemmer muscled over the line, taking three defenders in the process. Bulldogs halfback Freddie Robinson added the two points with a successful conversion.

Tensions were high amongst both teams and it wasn't long before the Tigers hit back in the 30th minute, with fullback Manaia Rudolph crossing over for the Tigers and later converting his own try to level the scores 6-a-piece.

Bulldogs winger Sam Ahofono streaked down the sideline, crossing in the corner in the 35th minute. Robinson's conversion was once again successful extending the Bulldogs lead 12-6.

After recovering from a penalty against them Tigers winger Marika Koroibete tip toed the sideline to see the Tigers cross for a try right on the half time siren. Rudolph missed the kick and the Bulldogs maintained a narrow 12-10 lead going in to the half time break.

First half stats saw the Bulldogs lead a 5-2 penalty count, with a 62% completion rate.

Tigers started the second half with vengeance, fullback Manaia Rudolph crossing for his second, before converting from the sideline in the 47th minute. Scores Bulldogs 12, Tigers 16.

Strong pressure from the Bulldogs saw the team earn repeat sets in great attacking position which was capitalised by interchange Leilani Latu who after returning from injury, crossed in the 52nd minute for his first try of the season. Robinson levelled up the scores with a pin-perfect kick 10 in from the sideline, Bulldogs lead 18-16.

An arm wrestle continued with the Bulldogs withstanding plenty of pressure thrown their way by the Tigers team. A great break by winger John Sila in the 63rd minute allowed Tupou Sopoaga to score a try, with the Bulldogs solidifying their lead 22 points to 16, with Freddie Robinson unsuccessful with the conversion.

Ed Murphy had a great first game back from injury and was one of the best on field for the Bulldogs, with Dave Klemmer, John Sila and Tupou Sopoaga also having strong performances. Bulldogs finished the game with 72% completion rate.

BULLDOGS: 22 Klemmer, Ahofono, Latu, Sopoaga Tries; Robinson 3/4 Goals
WESTS TIGERS: 16 Rudolph 2, Koroibete Tries; Rudolph 2/3 Goals

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