Match Report: Round 3 vs Bulldogs

Paul Alamoti and Josh Addo-Carr combined to give the Bulldogs a 14-point halftime lead, which proved insurmountable in the second forty despite an inspired late charge from the visitors.

The home side got away to a quick start as an early offside penalty allowed Villiame Kikau to push past two defenders and pop a pass to an unmarked Hayze Perham.

Wests Tigers looked destined to hit back ten minutes later, but an intercept from Paul Alamoti saw Josh Addo-Carr double the lead at the other end instead.

John Bateman almost had a try on his club debut, but couldn’t regather his own grubber kick and plant it over the line.

Max King then busted through for the home side but was unable to successfully distribute the ball to any of his trailling teammates. 

A David Klemmer tackle, deemed to be dangerous, gave the Bulldogs the chance to push their lead to fourteen, but the hosts declined the shot at goal and decided to push for a third try.

They would quickly rue their decision as former Bulldog Brent Naden took an intercept and ran 70-metres to cut the lead to six.

However, it wasn’t long before the Bulldogs increased their buffer through another long-range effort from Paul Alamoti, which led to Josh Addo-Carr completing his double.

An obstruction penalty in the final minute of the first half allowed Kyle Flanagan to push the lead out to fourteen points as both teams hit the sheds.

Wests Tigers started the second period with a strong defensive stand as they held out the home side and recollected a short dropout.

Both sides then continued to go set-for-set until Matt Burton broke through and stepped past Charlie Staines for his first try of 2023.

Junior Tupou combined with Brent Naden to send Brendan Wakeham through a hole with 13 minutes remaining, leading to Luke Brooks scoring untouched in the corner.

Naden then busted through and set up Fonua Pole to cut the lead to ten with ten minutes remaining.

With the Belmore faithful growing restless, Luke Brooks sliced through and sent Charlie Staines away for the visitors’ third try in quick succession.

With the lead at just four points, Wests Tigers were unable to convert the momentum into one last try and the Bulldogs held on for victory.

Tim Sheens and his troops will now turn their attention to Round 4, where they will travel to Melbourne to face the Storm.