The Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs under 18s were hard done by in a loss to a field goal in Bega on Sunday.
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The Bulldogs rugby league outfit were shut down by just the one point in one of their best matches this year.
The Dogs had come from a wobbly start to claim the lead 18-12 with just minutes left on the clock.
After Bega scored a try, Merimbula-Pambula fans breathed a collective sigh of relief as the conversion kick floated wide.
The clock was rapidly ticking down with the Bulldogs two points in front.
Unfortunately for the squad, a penalty was awarded for a tackle on the 20 metre line.
Bega opted for the kick and levelled the score 18-18.
The Bulldogs shoved valiantly towards the Bega line, but were unable to capitalise.
Some solid runs by Bega had them back deep in the Bulldogs’ half.
However, the Bega outfit couldn’t push through the stoic Bulldogs defence.
Staring down their last tackle about 30 metres out, the Roosters young gun James Bower-Scott lined up a kick and cleared a field goal.
With the flags raised the score settled to 19-18 in favour of the home side Bega squad.
Ahead of the finish, the Bulldogs had provided some great runs by Kurt Lomas, Liam Beasley and Blake Schafer.
The defensive line-up had worked well too, but some breaks down the left wing had proved instrumental for Bega.
In the second half the Bulldogs were going metre for metre with Bega.
The squad was buoyed by the cheers from the vocal crowd, which backed the squad for an upset.
With every roar of applause the squad surged forward and threatened the Bega line.
It was a great display of talent and vibrancy from both young squads which had the crowd on its feet for the dying minutes.
And for a large portion of the match, the Bulldogs verged on upsetting Bega’s undefeated streak.
Fans took to Facebook on Sunday night, offering their support for the Bulldogs after a stunning finish to the season.
Comments flowed in offering commiserations and support for the team.
Despite the loss, it was a strong season for the Bulldogs and will no doubt lay the foundations for a big year in the 2015 season.