IN chilly conditions at Ashwood Park on Sunday the Bathurst Bulldogs froze Orange City’s Blowes Clothing Cup season with a convincing 37-17 elimination final triumph.
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Bulldogs dominated the set pieces to repeat the result of last season’s elimination final result at the same venue, but this time in a much more comfortable fashion compared to 2016’s extra time comeback.
The hosts blew out to a 19-5 lead 20 minutes into the match before the rain arrived.
Damp conditions took some sting out of the Bulldogs’ quick attack but it couldn’t stop the Bathurst men from dominating in defence and annihilating the Lions’ scrum.
Lions lifted in the second half to outscore the Bulldogs but the damage had already been done.
“That was a much better start than what we had 12 months ago, and I think that was playing on a few guys’ minds today,” Bulldogs co-coach Nathan Pearce said.
“Fletcher Begley had his first start in first grade, ‘Buzzy’ [Harry Webber] had his first start at 13, Josh Weekes had his first game back after yesterday and Tyler Cook at fullback was out of position … but they all looked settled. It’s nice to have that depth.”
Before the rain set in there was a frenetic start to the match.
Bulldogs’ Brad Glasson opened the scoring with a converted try before the Lions’ Ben Wilson brought the margin back to two.
Harry Webber’s barnstorming run helped set up Riley Hanrahan for the second Bulldogs try. Scott Johnston almost added another try moments later with a strong run of his own.
Josh Weekes took the score out to 22-5 thanks to his try and penalty before the 25th minute.
As the errors started to mount for both teams in the rainy weather the Bulldogs were happy to let Weekes attempt another penalty for a 25-5 half-time lead.
City hit back early in the second half with a Cameron Logan try on the wing but it was quickly cancelled out by a solo Johnston effort through the middle of the park.
The match was put beyond City’s reach with Peter Fitzsimmons’ try in the 66th minute.
A penalty try would bring the Lions within 20 before the final whistle sounded.
“When you come down here it’s quite a tough game. Last year we were up 27-0 and the Bulldogs lifted. Bulldogs always lift in the second half but [this year] I thought we lifted considerably too,” City captain Logan Brockmann said.
