Bulldogs beat Eels to claim Bandaged Bear Cup

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have registered their first win of the season, beating the Parramatta Eels 32-12 in front of 28,876 at ANZ Stadium to claim the Bandaged Bear Cup.

Coming off a disappointing showing last week against Penrith, the Bulldogs have bounced back courtesy of doubles to Brett Morris, Curtis Rona and Sam Perrett.

While the Eels were unstoppable in their 30-point rout of Manly seven days earlier, injuries to Anthony Watmough, Chris Sandow, Semi Radradra, Tepai Moeroa and Beau Champion severely affected their chances despite getting out to an early second half lead.

The Bulldogs dominated the opening exchanges of the match, several repeat sets on the Eels line courtesy of penalties and line drop outs had the home side struggling to cross the Eels line, but a cut-out pass from replacement five-eighth Moses Mbye put Curtis Rona over for first points.

The Bulldogs doubled their lead ten minutes later, before Parramatta could respond through Semi Radradra just prior to halftime. Both sides had plenty of attacking chances in the opening half but strong defensive efforts from both sides had the Bulldogs leading 8-4 at the change of ends.

Immediately after halftime, Parramatta responded twice through Manu Ma'u within minutes to put the Eels ahead for the first time. Winger Reece Robinson was unable to replicate his goal kicking heroics of last week, failing to land a single conversion leaving the Eels to hold a slender 12-8 lead with half an hour remaining.

Given the size of the Bulldogs bench, the home side used their advantage to over power the injury depleted Eels. Sam Perrett scored a double while Brett Morris and Curtis Rona also crossed to bring their season tallies to three, allowing Canterbury-Bankstown to run out 20-point victors.

While the Eels were significantly beaten, the final scoreline did not indicate Parramatta's competitiveness. Playing in his first match since 2009, Danny Wicks was sensational for the Eels making over 150 metres and showing that despite his past errors he will be a solid investment for the Eels. Other strong performers included Corey Norman who delivered several beautiful passes in Chris Sandow's absence, while Manu Ma'u also showed his worth as a starting player, coming up with two tries.

In the absence of Josh Reynolds, Moses Mbye performed terrifically, playing a part in several Bulldogs tries and showing a much stronger kicking game than the injured Origin five eighth.

With both sides now one win apiece, the Bulldogs will travel to Brookvale Oval next Friday night to play Manly, while Parramatta will travel to New Zealand next Saturday afternoon to take on the Warriors.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Moses Mbye
2 points - Danny Wicks
1 point - Tony Williams

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (32)
Tries: Curtis Rona (2), Brett Morris (2), Sam Perrett (2)
Conversions: Trent Hodkinson (4/6)

PARRAMATTA EELS (12)
Tries: Semi Radradra, Manu Ma'u (2)
Conversions: Reece Robinson (0/3)

Welcome to League Unlimited's coverage of Round 2 Friday Night Football between Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium where they will play for the Bandaged Bear Cup.

Canterbury will play 1-17, with Moses Mbye coming in for the injured Josh Reynolds at 5/8.
Parramatta wil be without Junior Paulo following his 9-match suspension for a dangerous throw on Manly's Matt Ballin. Taking his place is former Dragon and Knight Danny Wicks who will make his first appearance in the NRL since 2009.

The previous time these two sides met was Round 23 last year, with Canterbury prevailing 18-16 in a controversial finish that resulted in an overhaul of the 40/20 rule.

Kick-off is only minutes away, get comfortable as these Grand Final rivals do battle once again. The Bulldogs have won 7 of the past 8 encounters, but after their strong showing last week, Parramatta will be eager to open a season with back-to-back wins for the first time in 16 years.

Trent Hodkinson kicks off and the game is underway.

1: Chris Sandow almost nails a 40/20.

2: Penalty to Canterbury, start their set on halfway.

3: Trent Hodkinson puts a bomb up but the Bulldogs knock on.

4: Tony Williams has made an effort to target Beau Champion in defence.

5: Bulldogs get a scrum 30 metres out from the Eels line.

7: Bulldogs knock back two shots at goal. Showing attacking intentions.

7: Michael Lichaa gets over the line but loses the ball in a strip. Another Bulldogs penalty.

8: Tony Williams grubbers in goal resulting in a line drop out. Canterbury have dominated possession but are yet to score.

10: Parramatta have knocked on inside their 10 metres. Bulldogs get another set.

11: Beau Champion defuses a Bulldogs overlap. Another Bulldogs set inside the Eels 10 metres.

12: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Curtis Rona. Kick to come.
Moses Mbye delivers a cut out ball to his winger giving the Bulldogs first points.

13: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson unsuccessful.
Conversion attempt just misses to the right.

15: Tony Williams has started strongly making a solid tackle on Will Hopoate on the kick return.

16: Josh Jackson almost makes a break but the Eels defence prevents the offload.

17: Eels get their first penalty, find touch 30 metres out.

17: Anthony Watmough knocks on with the line open.

20: Big hit by Semi Radradra on Sam Perrett prevents a line break.

20: Anthony Watmough is limping off.

21: 40/20 CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Moses Mbye kicks a 40/20.
Reece Robinson is cleaned bowled. Bulldogs on the attack 10 metres out.

22: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Brett Morris. Kick to come.
The new recruit bursts through the tackle of Brad Takairangi to score under the post.

23: Joseph Paulo is on for Anthony Watmough.

24: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson unsuccessful.
0/2 for Hodkinson - he should have converted from that position.

24: Anthony Watmough should be back, reportedly a gash to the knee.

25: Eels force a line drop out. Corey Norman kicks for Radradra but Brett Morris knocks it dead.

26: Isaac De Gois and David Gower on for Parramatta.

26: Sam Kasiano on for Canterbury.

27: Chris Sandow loses the ball 10 metres out. He may have injured his knee, possible hyperextension. He's coming off.

28: Danny Wicks on for Sandow, expect Joseph Paulo to shift to Halfback.

28: David Klemmer on for Canterbury.

29: Strong first run by Danny Wicks puts the Eels inside the Bulldogs half.

29: Brett Morris makes a tremendous run to get out of the in-goal following a great kick by Corey Norman.

30: Sam Kasiano loses the ball just inside the Bulldogs half.

32: Eels get six more tackles inside the Bulldogs 10 metre line.

32: Will Hopoate throws a bad pass straight to Sam Perrett.

33: Frank Pritchard on for Tony Williams.

33: Eels back on the attack inside the Bulldogs 30 metres.

34: Corey Norman forces a line drop out after Brett Morris loses control but is able to ground the ball.

34: Danny Wicks has made several strong runs resulting in an Eels penalty 10 metres out.

34: Semi Radradra has crossed the line, but the referees have sent it upstairs.

35: Corey Norman has shown some terrific touches with Sandow off throwing a brilliant pass for Radradra.

36: TRY PARRAMATTA EELS
Scored by Semi Radradra. Kick to come.
The big Fijian has scored his 4th try of the season.

37: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PARRAMATTA EELS
Conversion attempt by Reece Robinson unsuccessful.
After kicking 7 from 8 last week, the former Raider has pushed it to the left.

37: Great pass from Manu Ma'u puts Brad Takairang away who finds Semi Radradra only for Brett Morris to take him into touch.

37: Radradra is limping but is staying on.

38: Bulldogs attack down the right.

38: Moses Mbye grubbers for Curtis Rona who fails to force the ball. Eels 20 metre restart.

38: Semi Radradra is off. The Eels are down to a one man bench following injuries to Watmough, Sandow and Radradra.

39: Watmough is back on but makes an error inside the Bulldogs 10 metre line.

40: The Bulldogs have taken an 8-4 lead into the break. Two tries to the Bulldogs from Curtis Rona and Brett Morris, while Semi Radradra crossed for the Eels. Parramatta have sustained injuries to Watmough, Sandow and Radradra. Watmough has returned, Radradra has been ruled out, while Sandow will be assessed at Halftime.

STATS:

Top Tackles: Nathan Peats & Tepai Moeroa - 26
Top Metres: James Graham - 117

Best performers for the Bulldogs include Tony Williams who has terrorised Beau Champion tonight along with James Graham who leads the metres (117) and has made 17 tackles. Moses Mbye has also been strong with a terrific cut-out pass for the first try, a 40/20 and some strong kicks on the left hand side.

Best performers for the Eels include Corey Norman who has stepped up in the absence of Chris Sandow with a strong kicking game. Danny Wicks has also impressed in his return to rugby league with several strong runs making 99 metres from the bench.

Kick-off by Corey Norman.

Sam Kasiano has been forced into touch following a big hit from Danny Wicks and Tepai Moeroa.

41: Danny Wicks gets over the line but three Bulldogs hold him up.

41: Manu Ma'u has crossed out wide, but is referred upstairs.

41: TRY PARRAMATTA EELS
Scored by Manu Ma'u. Kick to come.
Parramatta have levelled the scores.

41: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PARRAMATTA EELS
Conversion attempt by Reece Robinson unsuccessful.
Robinson misses again, this time hitting the left post. Scores remain tied at 8-all.

43: Chris Sandow is looking likely to return, running freely on the sideline.

44: Manu Ma'u is over again following a Corey Norman grubber. Video referee is reviewing the play.

44: TRY PARRAMATTA EELS
Scored by Manu Ma'u. Kick to come.
The Eels take the lead for the first time tonight.

45: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PARRAMATTA EELS
Conversion attempt by Reece Robinson unsuccessful.
Neither side has landed a conversion tonight. Could prove costly in the end.

46: Corey Norman kicks it dead. Bulldogs back to the 20 metre line.

47: Moses Mbye throws a cut-out pass for Sam Perrett who is taken into touch by three Parramatta defenders.

47: Brad Takairangi and Manu Ma'u made the tackle on Perrett.

48: Joseph Paulo looks to offload but the ball is knocked on by Josh Morris. Eels scrum 30 metres out from their own line.

49: Reece Robinson is almost taken into touch but throws a desperation pass to Will Hopoate.

49: Parramatta lose the ball and compound the error by giving away a penalty.

51: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Sam Perrett. Kick to come.
Tim Lafai puts on some fancy footwork to beat Manu Ma'u before offloading to his winger.

51: Chris Sandow is about to return to the field.

52: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Hodkinson lands the first goal of the night putting the Bulldogs back in front by two.

53: Tim Mannah back on replacing Danny Wicks who has been sensational in his return.

54: Tim Lafai drags Reece Robinson back 10 metres. The Bulldogs are dominating play at the moment.

55: Great round the legs tackle by Beau Champion on Brett Morris. Bulldogs back inside the Eels half.

56: Possible try for Sam Perrett. Several kicks in the lead up, Greg Eastwood grubbered ahead with Tim Mannah unable to beat Sam Perrett to the ball.

57: Will Hopoate and Brad Takairangi got in each others way.

57: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Sam Perrett. Kick to come.
Simultaneous grounding from Tim Mannah and Sam Perrett result in the Bulldogs extending their lead to a converted try with a kick to come from in front.

57: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Hodkinson kicks the goal putting the Bulldogs ahead by more than a converted try. Robinson's missed conversions may hurt the Eels now.

59: Chris Sandow bombs high, Brett Morris is taken while in mid-air by Will Hopoate resulting in a penalty.

59: The Bulldogs fail to find touch, the Eels are on the attack 30 metres out from the Canterbury line.

60: Beau Champion makes a strong line run gaining a penalty 10 metres out.

61: A poor pass to Brad Takairangi results in the former Titan being taken into touch.

62: Tim Browne is on for the Bulldogs.

63: Great take by Will Hopoate puts the Eels on the attack.

64: Chris Sandow runs the ball on the last tackle resulting in the Bulldogs easily defusing the play.

65: The Eels are struggling to make metres at the moment, Corey Norman kicks the ball over the sideline in order to give Parramatta a breather. Canterbury are on top.

66: Tony Williams make a great break. Bulldogs on the attack inside the Eels 20 metres.

67: Josh Morris is taken by Watmough, Champion and Robinson, 10 metres out. Bad play from Canterbury failing to take advantage of Williams run.

68: Chris Sandow elects to chip inside his own half giving the Bulldogs possession back. Canterbury can put themselves in a match winning position if they can capitalise.

68: Canterbury force a line drop out from a Moses Mbye grubber.

69: Canterbury start their set inside their own 30 metre line following Sandow's drop kick.

70: Moses Mbye kicks but the Bulldogs knock on giving the Eels the ball back.

70: Danny Wicks is back on.

71: Brad Takairangi drops an inside pass from Corey Norman, once again the Bulldogs start a set inside the Eels half.

72: The Eels have used all their interchanges, they'll have to play the final 10 with no more changes.

73: Corey Norman saves a try by taking Sam Perrett in a high tackle. If the Bulldogs can score here they'll likely win the game.

73: Frank Pritchard can't take the pass giving the Eels the ball back.

73: Darcy Lussick knocks on inside the Eels half.

73: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Brett Morris. Kick to come.
Following an inside pass from James Graham, the Bulldogs fullback crosses for his second. If Hodkinson converts from in front the Bulldogs will be near impossible to beat with 7 minutes remaining.

74: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Hodkinson converts from in front.

75: Beau Champion has hurt his knee but appears to be ok.

76: Parramatta will be disappointed with their second half. After getting out to an early lead, the effects of their injuries have taken its toll

77: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Curtis Rona. Kick to come.
Curtis Rona crosses out wide after the Bulldogs exploit the injured Beau Champion.

79: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Hodkinson converts from the sideline pushing the margin out to 20.

79: Beau Champion is being assisted off the field.

80: Canterbury win the Bandaged Bear Cup defeating Parramatta 32-12. A horror injury toll crueled the chances of the Eels, but a strong showing from the Bulldogs earns them the two point.