Some very stern half-time words spurred the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs to a rousing second half performance securing them the minor premiership on Saturday.
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The 'Dogs had been ambushed in the first half by the Eden Tigers at George Brown Memorial Oval on Saturday, almost falling three tries behind before finding any real possession.
The Tigers scored twice on the left edge with the Bulldogs' defence looking a little scrappy early in play and the Tigers even charged over the chalk for a third time, but the last was ruled a knock on in the in-goal.
The host club had paid a touching tribute to the late Lloyd Cocks before the squad took to the field in 2010 era jerseys to celebrate a heritage round as a celebration send off.
The early points against the competition leaders roused the crowd with rapturous cheers for each for pointer, while the Bulldogs struggled to show the form that saw them emerge as the competition front-runner.
However, the Bulldogs were later able to string together some good possession and did fire back with a pair of tries to Billy Doneman in quick succession.
With captain-coach Daniel Cronk sidelined, Tom McMillan again bolstered the forward ranks and helped set up the options for the Bulldogs, while Grant Moon and Jack McGuire kept up an immense workload to ensure some good forward movement when the Bulldogs were in control.
Unfortunately for the visitors, the Tigers bounced right back to lead 22-10 by half time though after breakaway runs for Jordan Locklier and Joel Grewar.
A verbal lashing awaited the team in the sheds, but it did the trick as the club rallied to give Eden no further scoring opportunities while piling on the points to lock in the minor premiership.
Trent Casey with a good burst out of dummy half scored first, then soon after the Dogs were over again through edge bolter Luke Rixon and the scores were quickly levelled up.
However, it was a later trio of tries including a second to Casey that established a commanding lead for the Bulldogs with Jake Mikula making no mistakes with the boot.
And while Narooma also enjoyed a win to keep pace with the Bulldogs, the Merimbula-Pambula club finish the season with the better points difference to secure the minor premiership and go into finals as the number one contender.
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
