By Jackson Russell at Belmore Sports Ground
The Canterbury Bulldogs claimed an upset win over the New Zealand Warriors to kick start their season with a dominant 28-0 win.
The Bulldogs started the match strongly and looked the most likely of the two sides however errors gave the Warriors chances, with the Bulldogs rallying in defence to keep New Zealand at bay.
After 20 minutes hulking front rower Lloyd Perrett barged over to give his side a 6-0 lead.
As the half continued both sides had chances but errors and lapses in concentration let both teams down. The Warriors again looked exciting in attack but committed Bulldogs defence saw them close out the half.
From the start of the second half it was all Bulldogs creating chances and pretty soon a good ball from Pat O’Hanlon found nuggety forward David Minute who wasn’t going to be stopped, putting the Bulldogs up 12-0.
The Bulldogs, now looking confident, were up in the Warriors half immediately and found the line again this time through front rower Harlan Alaalatoa to go 18-0 up after 59 minutes.
Off the kick off they were right back into it with Minute making a massive bust to put the Bulldogs 20 out from the Warriors line. Good hands to Lachlan Burr saw him touchdown and the Dogs took a 22-0 lead.
The Warriors looked like gaining a consolation try but the Canterbury defence again held strong. Bulldogs now with the chance to attack again seized the opportunity with David Minute getting a well-deserved second try to finish and see Canterbury win 28-0.
Next week Canterbury host Wentworthville, while the Warriors will be looking to get back on track when they host the Cronulla Sharks at the Gisborne Rugby Park.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 28 (D Minute 2, L Perrett, L Burr, H Alaalatoa tries; P Templeman 4 goals) def. New Zealand Warriors 0 at Belmore Sports Ground.
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