The Belmore trial was another fantastic occasion topped off with a 36-14 victory against the Newtown Jets this afternoon.
In what was a match where plenty of players were used, it was star recruit Tony Williams who a lot of the crowd were there to see. They had to wait until the second half but it was well worth it with the big back rower causing havoc on the right edge.
The new recruit was happy to have been out there to stretch out after what has been a tough pre-season.
“It was exciting, it felt good,” Williams said.
“I’ve still got a lot of things to work on as we all do at this time of year but we’re looking forward to round one.
“It’s good to be back with Des, he’s done a lot of good work with me in the past and I’ve noticed it here already.
“It was a disappointing year in 2012 with injury and suspension but I feel fresh and well at the moment. The new environment feels good and I’m coping well.”
It didn’t take long for the Bulldogs to mount the pressure on the Jets and in just the third minute back rower David Minute went over on the left edge. The Bulldogs simply made their way up field and on the fourth play the ball was taken to the line and Minute cruised over untouched. The try was converted by Gerard McCallum putting the home side in front 6-nil.
Just three minutes later Daniel Abou-Sleiman scored his first try in the top grade. It was a try that came from nothing with the back rower carrying the ball forward from short range and he bustled his way over with the score now out to 8-nil.
From the return set the Bulldogs again worked forward and off the back of a penalty Abou-Sleiman went over for his second try. The score was then 12 points to nil.
The Jets had their first reason to celebrate in the 13th minute with their opening try to hooker Kurt Kara. Off the back of a Bulldogs mistake the Jets were given possession and from a quick play the ball Kara burrowed his way over and reduced the deficit to 12-4.
The Bulldogs didn’t take long to answer back through fullback McCallum. It was great involvement from the NYC graduate who involved himself twice in the play and went through to score under the posts.
Then just three minutes before the break the Bulldogs scored their fifth try of the afternoon through Steve Azzi. The try toAzzi took the sides to the break with the Bulldogs leading 22-4 at the half-time break.
Click here to read full match report at bulldogs.com.au