Wests Tigers grind out victory over gritty Bulldogs

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Wests Tigers v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

An inspired second half from the Wests Tigers has seen them record a typically low-scoring 14-10 win over a courageous Canterbury side at ANZ Stadium today.

It was the Bulldogs who dominated the first half of the contest, putting plenty of pressure on the Tigers' line in the opening ten minutes. It eventually tolled - Brett Morris exposed the opposition's soft edges from a great ball by new buy John Olive.

Moses Mbye converted the Morris try and added a further penalty goal at the 17th minute.

The highlight of the opening forty came from Tigers veteran half Benji Marshall, who pinpointed a long ball to Corey Thompson in the corner to open the home side's account at the half-hour mark. Esan Marsters couldn't convert from out wide, and the Bulldogs picked up a second penalty goal before halftime to push the margin to 10-4 at the change of ends.

Wests Tigers came out with a renewed attitude after the break, but Canterbury were able to hold strong until the 53rd minute when David Nofoaluma went aerial in the corner, although Marsters' errant boot again meant the Tigers trailed behind.

Try as they might, the 'Dogs were unable to hold out the home team - Chris Lawrence pounced on a kick created by an upfield surge by the Tigers and the conversion from Marsters - finally - ensured a four-point lead after 65 minutes.

A gritty, end-to-end contest ensued in the final fifteen but the Wests Tigers did enough to prevent the blue-and-whites claiming victory.

Wests Tigers are away to the Roosters at Allianz Stadium next Sunday, while Canterbury enjoy the bye ahead of Origin I.