A TRY in the opening seconds, a forward pack that muscled up, a back line which boasts blistering speed and a 26-12 win over fierce Ferguson Cup rivals Orange Emus - it was an impressive start from the Bathurst Bulldogs.
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Playing the season opener under lights at Ashwood Park, new Bulldogs coach Jordan Bull actually missed witnessing the first try from Mardi Watts given it came so quickly.
But after missing those initial seconds, Bull did like what he saw over the four quarters of rugby.
"I actually sort of missed that first try, it was quite a shock," Bull laughed. "But it was definitely a great start to the game.
"It was a tough game, they were a big team and very physical, so it was definitely a good first hit out for the girls.
"We led the whole way, but the score didn't really indicate how tough it was, they were very physical in defence, but our girls really defended really well when we got up off our line.
"Our forwards definitely stood up and did a lot of the hard work, they made it easier for the quicker girls out wide."
Forwards setting the platform for quick backs has been a trademark of the Bulldogs' performances in recent seasons and it was a style of rugby that worked well again on Saturday.
Watts and Claudia McLaren, both members of the 2019 premiership winning squad, finished with two tries apiece.
Those who shone in the forward pack included three newcomers to the Bulldogs.
"Alana [Langford] when she came off the bench she definitely made a good impact in the forwards, Demi [Chapman] she's new to rugby but she's got a league background and she was pretty good too," Bull said.
"Molly [Kennedy] who came from CSU, she stood up and was outstanding in the forwards. She's got quite a lot of skill, she's a very good football player.
"There are certainly some pretty good signs."
Bull, who has taken over as coach from four-time premiership Tuma Aisake, is still settling into the new role but Saturday's effort confirmed to him that he has plenty of talent within his squad to work with.
"I'm pretty lucky that I've walked into a pretty talented football team. There's a lot of experience and then there are a lot of new girls that have come through who are really talented too, it's definitely a good mix to have," he said.
"It does come with a lot of pressure because they were on a bit of a roll, but hopefully we can keep it going. I've never coached women's rugby, so it's definitely a bit of a challenge."
BATHURST BULLDOGS 26 (Mardi Watts 2, Claudia McLaren 2 tries; Molly Kennedy 2, Mardi Watts conversion) defeated ORANGE EMUS 12 (Kiara Sullivan, Nikki D'Aquino tries; Nikki D'Aquino conversion)
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