Gutsy Broncos Outlast Bulldogs

The Brisbane Broncos have put together a gutsy performance, to beat the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 18-12 at ANZ Stadium.

The first half was all Brisbane, as new recruit Ben Barba led his team around the park. In the 6th minute, the defense rushed Barba, but he held his cool and put in neat grubber behind the line. Dale Copley watched the ball pop up onto his chest, before planting it down to open the scoring.

The Broncos second try came 10 minutes later, when Vidot powered over the top of the defense and added another four points. Corey Thompson was valiant in defense, but the video referee ruled he hadn't done quite enough.

Ben Hunt then added to the Broncos' tally, potting a penalty goal in the 27th minute.

The Bulldogs hit back just before half time, with Josh Morris soaring above the defense to take a high ball, before dropping to the ground and scoring a four pointer. Hodkinson added the extras, and the score at half time was 14-6.

Early in the second half, the Bulldogs continued with the momentum they had taken into the break. Tony Williams showed his size and strength, running over the top of a defender from metres out, to score a much needed try. For the next 15 minutes it was all Bulldogs, with four repeat sets on the Broncos line.

But the Broncos held on, fighting off wave after wave of Bulldogs attack. Lachlan Maranta sealed the game in the 76th minute, as he reaped rewards from a slick backline movement, and stretched out to put his side 6 points in front.

The game was marred by concussion injuries to both Mitch Browne and Todd Lowrie. Browne was hit high with a swinging arm, while Lowrie was knocked out attempting to stop a rampaging Tony Williams.

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (12)
Tries: Josh Morris, Tony Williams
Field Goals:
Conversions: Trent Hodkinson (2/2)
Penalty Goals:

BRISBANE BRONCOS (18)
Tries: Dale Copley, Daniel Vidot, Lachlan Maranta
Field Goals:
Conversions: Corey Parker (2/3)
Penalty Goals: Ben Hunt (1/1)