David EdwardsBulldogs triumph over tired Tigers
March 30th 2008 07:24
The Bulldogs took care of a sluggish Wests Tigers outfit today at ANZ stadium, accounting for the 2005 premiers 32-12. In a game that was almost forgettable in terms of spark or flair, the Bulldogs toughed it out and finished the stronger team, running in 22 second half points to zero in what was a comprehensive and clinical victory.
The Tigers started strongly, with Beau Ryan touching down in the 5th minute after some nice hands movement down the left hand side initiated by Brett Hodgson, who some predicted wouldn't play after his horrific concussion last weekend. The Dogs hit back soon after, a beautiful grubber through by Daniel Holdsworth sat perfectly for Luke Patten, claiming his first try of the afternoon, to make it 6 all after 20 minutes.
The Tigers were looking ominous in parts in the first half, but gutsy goal-line defence by the Dogs kept them out, and 5 minutes before half-time Patten had his second try, a beautiful dummy decieiving all and earning the bulldogs a 4 point buffer. This wasn't to last for long, as some clumsy play in their own half led to Dene Halatau scooping up possession of a wayward dummy-half pass by the Dogs, and earning the Tigers a 2 point advantage at half-time, 12-10.
In his 273rd game, Hazem El-Mazri added try number 140 to his career tally by falling over the line after a running 5th tackle option in the 44th minute. This was to be the beginning of the end for the Tigers, who whilst looking competitive in the first half - were simply outplayed in the second half by an energetic Bulldogs outfit. A negative aspect of the Tigers game was their 5th tackle options, with John Morris making some poor kicks and being charged down 3 times, one in the 59th minute leading to a 70 metre break and try to Sonny Bill-Williams who had a quiet game by his standards. However Williams and Ben Roberts began to assert themselves in the last 20 minutes, with Roberts creating two tries, one finished by Heka Nanai in the 75th minute, and the clincher went to captain Andrew Ryan after a Roberts linebreak in the 79th minute.
The Bulldogs simply outplayed a tired looking Tigers outfit, who lacked inspiration in attack, particularly around the rucks, which is something they are generally known for. Robbie Farah seemed to be carrying an injury and was uncharacteristically quiet, and whilst the big forwards such as Galloway and Payten toiled hard, it was never going to be enough against a formidable Bulldogs outfit that in the end won easily.
-David Edwards
The Tigers started strongly, with Beau Ryan touching down in the 5th minute after some nice hands movement down the left hand side initiated by Brett Hodgson, who some predicted wouldn't play after his horrific concussion last weekend. The Dogs hit back soon after, a beautiful grubber through by Daniel Holdsworth sat perfectly for Luke Patten, claiming his first try of the afternoon, to make it 6 all after 20 minutes.
The Tigers were looking ominous in parts in the first half, but gutsy goal-line defence by the Dogs kept them out, and 5 minutes before half-time Patten had his second try, a beautiful dummy decieiving all and earning the bulldogs a 4 point buffer. This wasn't to last for long, as some clumsy play in their own half led to Dene Halatau scooping up possession of a wayward dummy-half pass by the Dogs, and earning the Tigers a 2 point advantage at half-time, 12-10.
In his 273rd game, Hazem El-Mazri added try number 140 to his career tally by falling over the line after a running 5th tackle option in the 44th minute. This was to be the beginning of the end for the Tigers, who whilst looking competitive in the first half - were simply outplayed in the second half by an energetic Bulldogs outfit. A negative aspect of the Tigers game was their 5th tackle options, with John Morris making some poor kicks and being charged down 3 times, one in the 59th minute leading to a 70 metre break and try to Sonny Bill-Williams who had a quiet game by his standards. However Williams and Ben Roberts began to assert themselves in the last 20 minutes, with Roberts creating two tries, one finished by Heka Nanai in the 75th minute, and the clincher went to captain Andrew Ryan after a Roberts linebreak in the 79th minute.
The Bulldogs simply outplayed a tired looking Tigers outfit, who lacked inspiration in attack, particularly around the rucks, which is something they are generally known for. Robbie Farah seemed to be carrying an injury and was uncharacteristically quiet, and whilst the big forwards such as Galloway and Payten toiled hard, it was never going to be enough against a formidable Bulldogs outfit that in the end won easily.
-David Edwards
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