Barba's Bulldogs Boil Sharks

For the second week in a row, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs won a match in the first half, setting up a good lead to eventually beat the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 24-12. A 24-8 lead at half-time was set up by two tries from Ben Barba and some good running from the forward pack.

The small crowd at Gosford witnessed a first half full of powerful running. Jamal Idris (playing a rare game at second row) and Ben Hannant were stand-outs in the side. The second half could be forgotten as both sides blew big chances.

The Bulldogs move to 14 points, equal to the Sharks. This also puts them clear of the Cowboys on the ladder, giving them a chance for a late run before the finals.

Match Details
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 12 were defeated by Canterbury Bulldogs 24
National Rugby League - NRL - Round 17 - Saturday July 3, 2010 7:30pm
Venue: Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Referee: Jason Robinson and Alan Shortall
Video Referee: Steve Clark
Touch Judges: Steve Carrall and David Munro
Crowd: 9,826
Halftime: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 8 Canterbury Bulldogs 24

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 Points - Ben Barba (2 Tries)
2 Points - Ben Hannant
1 Point - Bryson Goodwin (4 Conversions)

CRONULLA SUTHERLAND SHARKS (12)
Tries: Dean Collis, Blake Ferguson
Conversions: Scott Porter (1/2)
Penalty Goals: Scott Porter (1/1)

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS (24)
Tries: Blake Green, Ben Barba (2), Jamal Idris
Conversions: Bryson Goodwin (4/4)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Welcome to Bluetongue where the Sharks and Bulldogs will face off.
The Bulldogs won the Toyota Cup encounter 34-16.
Sharks are 1-17.
Bulldogs lose Turner and Romelo with Winitana and Halatau come into the side.
Under way!
1 min: Barba with a 40/20, what a start.
3 min: TRY
A good start from the Bulldogs, with Bryson Goodwin running down the line to send Green over.
Canterbury Bulldogs 6-0
8 min: PENALTY GOAL
The Sharks are on the board now, following a Porter penalty goal.
Canterbury Bulldogs 6-2
12 min: Blake Ferguson going close to scoring.
14 min: TRY
"Second rower" Jamal Idris scores, going through a handful of defenders.
Canterbury Bulldogs 12-2
16 min: TRY
Barba on fire! A dummy and a step to assist going through a number of defenders. Three tries in the first twenty minutes, just like last weekend.
Canterbury Bulldogs 18-2
21 min: TRY
A lot of tries so far. A Porter bomb finds Ferguson who scores the Sharks first.
Canterbury Bulldogs 18-8
24 min: Winitana going close there for the Bulldogs.
28 min: Some good attacking football tonight.
28 min: Possible Bulldogs try here.
28 min: No try!
33 min: TRY
Barba with his second, charging down a kick and running half the field untouched. Early Man Of The Match?
Canterbury Bulldogs 24-8
40 min: That's half-time. The Bulldogs in cruise control.
40 min: We're underway once more.
47 min: Another possible Bulldogs try.
47 min: No try.
56 min: Bulldogs with a few good attempts. Still 24-8.
60 min: 20 minutes to go, both teams grinding it out this second half.
60 min: CROWD: 9,826
64 min: Sharks with a penalty in good position.
65 min: Unable to take advantage. The tale of tonight for them.
73 min: A scoreless second half is looking probable.
75 min: Sharks with another chance, albeit too little too late.
76 min: TRY
The Sharks get a consolation try through Dean Collis. Some good lead-up work from Paul Aiton and Blake Ferguson.
Canterbury Bulldogs 24-12
80 min: The end of a forgettable second half, the Bulldogs win 24-12.