Dazzling dogs power past Dragons

v BYE

It was supposed to be a grinding slog fest. Yet, two sides not known for their attacking flair came out on Monday afternoon and provided 80 minutes of thrilling entertainment in front of over 20,000 fans. In the end, the Dogs proved too much, running away for a big 34-16 win.

The opening half was an attacking thriller, with two teams renowned for their defensive grit combining for 28 points off the back of unfamiliar, expansive footy. The game opened in relatively ordinary fashion, until Joel Thompson broke through the Dogs line in the 10th minute to send Kurt Mann over for a runaway try.

Yet, when it looked like the Dragons would continue to control the opening stages the Dogs spread right and Sam Perrett crossed in the 14th minute. Both teams exploded in terms of attacking flair, with both going close bar lacking a tad bit of execution. Yet, the big turning point came when Michael Lichaa burrowed over in the 29th minute and off the returning kick off Curtis Rona would streak way and put Moses Mbye over for a try.

However, when Aiden Tolman dropped what could have been a certain blockbusting try, the Dogs got over adventurous and threw a speculator over the sideline. And from that a lucky rebound saw a determined Tyson Frizell score and make the half time score line a very respectable 16-12 to the Bulldogs. 

The Dragons opened the 2nd half in frantic fashion with Kurt Mann pouncing in the corner on a Marshall kick and subsequently locked the game up. Yet, the Bulldogs would bounce back with a Tony Williams grubber forcing a drop out and paving the way for Curtis Rona to score out wide.

And then the game would descend into a bit of controversy with one of the most confusing tries you will ever see. Tony Williams would be ruled to regather the ball after seeming to drop it when later touched by Benji Marshall and Will Hopoate would cross to give the Bulldogs a 26-16 lead. A penalty goal to the Dogs would see them take a 12 point lead with 15 left before a knock on by Euan Aitken would see Josh Reynolds run away to seal a big win for the Dogs.

In the end, the Dogs were entertainers outscoring the Dragons in terms of line breaks 10-2 whilst running almost 500 more metres than their opponents.

Next week, the Dragons get lucky and host the Storm minus their Origin stars at WIN Stadium on Saturday night. Of course, they will have to look out for Cameron Munster who will be looking to spark Melbourne to their 8th straight victory. The Dogs will be happy to get the win heading into the bye next round, before hosting the Broncos back here at ANZ in a fortnight.