NRL round-24: Bulldogs win close over Cowboys
The Bulldogs were able to come from behind on the road, against the Cowboys at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday.
In a battle of the bottom dwellers the Bulldogs were able to squeak out a close one against the Cowboys. The home side was able to carry a lead into half time, but fell asleep late in the game, allowing the Bulldogs to put together several tries late for the 22-20 victory.
Recap
The Cowboys looked very strong early, getting a try from Ty Williams in the second minute of the match. John Williams followed suit, registering a try and conversion only four minutes later, to give the home side a 10-0 lead by the seventh minute.
Ty Williams would cross the whitewash for the third unanswered try of the game in only 19th minute, extending the Cowboys lead to 14-0.
The Bulldogs were able to respond in the 31st minute with a try from Jamal Idris. The conversion from Bryson Goodwin cut the home sides lead to 14-6 at the end of the first half.
After the break both sides remained relatively quiet, until Grant Rovelli pushed his way over the try-line in the 60th minute, with John Williams kicking the conversion to make it 20-6 for the Cowboys.
Thinking the game was over the home side began to sink back into defensive formations, and the visitors took advantage; first with a try from Michael Ennis in the 69th minute, and then with a try from Steve Turner in the 73rd minute, to cut the lead to 20-16.
In the 75th minute the Bulldogs crossed for their third unanswered try of the half, courtesy of Josh Morris, and after Goodwin put through the conversion the Bulldogs took the lead for the first time in the game, 22-20.
The Cowboys got strong games from Ty and John Williams who accounted for 16 of the side’s points, while Scott Bolton displayed his worth with 201 all-run metres.
The Bulldogs came together late, and got impressive clutch kicking from Goodwin, who knocked down two late conversions to give his side the victory.
Analysis
The Cowboys suffered their 17th loss of the season, and if it were not for the Storm, have been barred from earning any points this season, the Bulldogs would be be in last place with their record.
The Bulldogs do not have a chance of making the post season. However, they have shown that they are capable of strong rugby late in the season, and will continue to play the role of the spoiler, hopefully improving in time for next year’s campaign.
Tags: