THERE is no substitute for experience – Bulldogs had it in abundance and used it to good effect as they pummelled CSU 48-0 in their Central West Rugby Union third grade elimination semi-final on Sunday at Ashwood Park.

Some of the club’s elder statesmen as well as a handful of ex-rugby league stars helped the Bulldogs breeze past their local rivals in a clash far removed from their one-point win eight days prior.

The students were left to lament some poor football in the 10 minute periods either side of the half-time break, costing themselves any chance of an upset victory.

“It has been pretty simple today, CSU have probably helped us with their mistakes, our back line has been outstanding,” Bulldogs coach Mitch Lavelle said.

“Whether it is rugby league or union, when you’ve played at the top grade and have a lot of experience, you always stay a footballer and you can see that in the way some of these guys have played today.”

After a rusty start that saw them knock-on from the kick-off, Bulldogs were soon getting things right. After just a couple of phases in CSU’s half, they scored the opener through Kurt Weekes in the right corner.

A few minutes later and the ex-St Pat’s league first grade triumvirate of Soane Finau, Chris Osborne and Mark Elliott combined to score the host’s second, duly converted by Osborne for a 12-0 lead.

The students did begin to find their feet, but were continually hurt by some terrible mistakes.

On four occasions in the first half, the students failed to find touch from penalties. All four instances came in the last 10 minutes before the break.

As predicted by CSU coach Ed Webeck, fullback Dan Ross-Hopkins looked the man most likely to break through for the students but he didn’t have enough support.

CSU blew a handful of good chances and nice field position before half-time, and paid the price afterwards.

Chris Allman crossed five minutes into the second stanza, followed by Adam Myles only moments later.

When Tyler Cook went in for the first of his two tries, it was game over.

There was still time for some razzle dazzle from some of the Bulldogs’ older brigade, capped off by a field goal to Elliott on full-time.

The Bulldogs will now meet Orange Emus in Orange on Sunday in the minor semi-final.

The only concern for Bulldogs was a hamstring injury to Finau late in the match.

“We lost it in that period before half-time, we were actually starting to get some momentum and some good territory, but couldn’t take anything out of it and they punished us,” Webeck said.

“Not training regular has hurt us this season. Once Bulldogs started to get a few tries they were confident and throwing the ball around, it was pretty hard to defend against.”

BATHURST BULLDOGS 48 (Tyler Cook 2, Kurt Weekes, Mark Elliott, Chris Allman, Adam Myles, Pat Whitaker tries; Chris Osborne 5 conversions, Mark Elliott drop-goal) defeated CSU 0