Knights hammer Bulldogs

The Newcastle Knights have knocked the Canterbury Bulldogs off the top of the NRL ladder following an impressive 32-6 win at EnergyAustralia Stadium today.

The Knights came out firing in the first half and at the break, held a handy 14-6 lead.

The home side went further ahead early in the second half before the Bulldogs tried to mount a comeback.

But the Newcastle side were simply too good, holding out the Bulldogs and then finishing off with two late tries to score a comprehensive victory.

KNIGHTS 32 Tries: Carmont, Price, Hughes, Quinn, Woolnough Goals: K Gidley 6/6 defeated BULLDOGS 6 Tries: Feeney Goals: El Masri 1/1

EnergyAustralia Stadium, Crowd: 16,562 Referee: Sean Hampstead Video Referee: Graeme West. Touch Judges: Pat Reynolds, Paul Kalina

By the clock: 0 min: Kick-off

5 min: NEWS Still 0-0. 1 error each by both sides

7 min: NEWS Still no score, good defence by both sides, only 2 missed tackles. Both to the Bulldogs.

8 min: TRY. Newcastle. George Carmont scores. Conversion successful for Kurt Gidley. Knights 6-0

15 min: NEWS Still 6-0. A couple of errors starting to creep into game by both sides.

21 min: NEWS Remains 6-0. Only 2 penalties been given by referee Hampstead.

24 min: TRY. Newcastle. Andrew Price in. Conversion by Kurt Gidley successful. Newcastle 12-0

35 min: NEWS Josh Perry on report for high hit on Bulldogs player. Dogs on attack just before halftime.

36 min: TRY. Bulldogs. Feeney scores after a lot of pressure on the line. El Masri converts. Knights 12-6.

39 min: PENALTY GOAL. Newcastle. Gidley slots a goal on halftime to give Newcastle an 8 point buffer. Newcastle 14-6.

HALFTIME. NEWCASTLE 14 Bulldogs 6 at EnergyAustralia. The Knights have dominated the game so far. The Bulldogs have picked up later in the half but Newcastle remain on top.

42 min: TRY. Newcastle. Knights strike early through Mark Hughes. Gidley converts. Newcastle 20-6.

49 min: NEWS The Bulldogs are lacking in attack, and whilst their defence is strong, it isn't keeping them in the match. A big performance required in the final 30 to see them get up over Newcastle. Still Knights 20-6.

51 min: NEWS Missed penalty gives Bulldogs possession. The Bulldogs must score next to keep in it. Disappointing for Newcastle, hope still for Bulldogs. Score remains 20-6 Newcastle.

56 min: NEWS Excellent Knights defence keeping the Dogs out. Dogs continue to hammer the Knights line. No change to score.

58 min: CROWD: 16562. NEWS - Knights under siege, O'Meley had an open line and dropped it. Newcastle seem to have the game sealed.

65 min: NEWS Newcastle beginning to slow the game now using little tactics such as kicking the ball out. Ref calls time out however, not allowing that to happen.

67 min: NEWS Newcastle absolutely hammering the Dogs line. Dogs stop the onslaught and go on the attack at the other end. Knock on by the Dogs and it now looks like it's Newcastle's game. Still 20-6.

70 min: TRY. Newcastle. The Knights capping the best win of the year for them. With 10 to go. Anhtony Quinn puts it to bed. Gidley conversion successful. Newcastle 26-6.

74 min: TRY. Newcastle. A kick ahead by Witt gives Woolnough a 4pointer. Gidley coverts AGAIN. Knights 32-6.

77 min: NEWS Newcastle on the attack as the game winds up. A disappointing performance by the Bulldogs, but they never gave up. Newcastle put in a sterling effort and deserve this victory well and truly.

FULLTIME. The Bulldogs thoroughly outclassed by a surprising Knights outfit. Newcastle win 32-6. Gidley and the crowd driving forces today.

----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - K Gidley (Knights) 2 - A Quinn (Knights) 1 - M O'Meley (Bulldogs) -----------------------------------------