The Merimbula-Pambula under 18s will get a rematch with the Bega Roosters for the Group 16 premiership this Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bulldogs conquered the Moruya Sharks 36-24 after a shaky start to secure a berth in local rugby league’s biggest fixture.
The Sharks led to the half with the Bulldogs looking uncharacteristically out of sorts in the opening stages, while Moruya made the best use of a breeze in their favour.
“It was a tough game on a warm day,” Coach Bernie Maher said.
“The Sharks using the breeze in the first half turned us around and made us work hard to get out of our half.”
However, Maher said the work rate meant the Bulldogs forwards were hitting their straps and the momentum started to switch leading to the break.
“They were getting into stride and began laying the platform for the backs out wide in the first half,” he said.
“Rhys scored in the corner off a Kobe Twigg pass to get us on the scoreboard and then Shep [Kyle Shepherdson] lifted just before half-time.”
It was one of the best solo tries in the season with Kyle nabbing the ball off a Moruya kick before stepping three defenders and bolting 100-metres to score under the posts.
Maher said once the team had settled to the immense rhythm of play, the team was strong across the park with the forwards doing plenty of work, while the centres hit some good lines.
Trailing at the break, the Bulldogs hit their straps from the outset in the second half with a stronger completion rate.
“We were shifting the ball quicker and tries to ‘Scootz’ from shear determination and strength before another individual Shep effort lifted the Dogs,” Maher said.
“But we knew not to take our foot off the Sharkies’ throat or they would bounce back as they have done in the past.”
Maher credited his hard-working line-up and praised the efforts of Bill Doneman, Josh Cole, Matt Moon, Jake Mikula, Kyle and Trent Casey.
The Bulldogs shot to a good lead and held off a late fight-back from the Sharks to run out 36-24 winners.
:”The Bulldogs congratulate the Moruya Sharks for their efforts this season, to their coach Dan and his squad for giving us a real shake on Sunday and throughout the season,” Maher said.
The coach said the onus was now on his charges to get to training and run out hard in the grand final where the Bulldogs will meet the defending premiers – the Bega Roosters.
The Bulldogs are the only team to defeat Bega in more than three years, grand final in Bega on Sunday at 11.15am.
