The Kurri Bulldogs laid down a warning to the Real NRL competition, defeating South Newcastle Lions 22-18 at Sylvester Real Estate Sportsground on Saturday.
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The Old Boys Shed played host to the Kurri Bulldogs Ladies Day, which managed to raise more than $1600 for the Pancare Foundation. Pancare aims to deliver community wide treatment and care for patents affected by pancreatic, liver, biliary and foregut cancers.
Both teams in all grades honoured Sunshine Coast Falcons rugby league player Jason Ackerman, who died mid-match last week.
It was guns blazing from kick-off as prop Brock Gilmour steamrolled Souths five-eighth Scott Briggs, halting play momentarily.
Kurri’s ‘Mr. Fix-It’ Ryan Walker opened the scoring in the 10th minute, after a brilliant left-side play, linking with Tim Bennett, who narrowly avoided the corner post, offloading back to Walker for first points.
Winger Kyle Smith extended Kurri’s lead to 10-0 at the 25th minute. Smith, enjoying a dream 2015 so far, scored on the back of a smooth left backline movement, from fullback and NRL Rookie hopeful Bradley ‘Wylie’ Manton.
A turnover from the next set threatened their lead, but more composure in defence saw Kurri hold Souths out until half-time.
On the back of a 60-metre break from Smith, Gilmour went over under the posts to extend the lead 16-0 in the 49th minute.
Souths hit back six minutes later through a Jarrod Rotumah try.
The Bulldogs extended their lead to 22-6 after Gilmour burst from inside Kurri’s half and linked with Terence Seu Seu for Walker’s second try.
The fast-finishing Lions hit back with tries to Brendon Simpson and Joe Leighton to set up a nail-biting finish for the home side.
However, Kurri held on for the much-needed win to put them just two points out of the Newcastle Rugby League top five – setting up a grandstand finish to the season.
The club congratulates Corey Holman on his first grade debut. Holman joined the Bulldogs from the Murrurundi Mavericks in Group 21 this year, and has been a top performer at hooker in reserve grade.
Reserve grade was soundly defeated 36-10; open age prevailed 25-18, extending their unbeaten streak to five games (four wins and a draw), while the under-19s bounced back from recent form to win 28-18.
The Bulldogs will travel to Cahill Oval to face Lakes United Seagulls this Saturday in must-win clashes for all grades.
Gates open 10am; under-19s kick off at 10.50am, first grade at 3pm. BarTV coverage to be announced.
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