Dolphins deliver in the wet

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Dolphins

It was wet, error-prone and away from home, yet it made no difference for the Dolphins as they demolished the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 44-8 on Thursday evening.

Equalling their highest ever score with seven tries against the competition leaders, the Dolphins surged to victory with four tries in the final quarter to the delight of a small contingent among the 10,412 supporters who braved a night of unrelenting rain at Accor Stadium. 

Having struggled historically in Sydney with only two wins from eight previous visits, the Dolphins negated an early penalty goal from Matt Burton with a right side shift finished off by Jamayne Isaako (12th minute) to pave the way for a shock upset.

As the rain continued to hamper attacking opportunities midway through the opening half, both sides were left to lament near misses with the bunker denying Blake Taaffe and Jack Bostock upon review.

A penalty goal to Isaako edged the visitors out to a converted try lead, however the margin was slashed minutes later when Lipoi Hopoi (32nd minute) found himself in the right place to pounce on a crossfield kick to collect his first try in the top grade.

Tries either side of halftime put the Dolphins on the front foot with Bostock (38th minute) touching down out wide before Harrison Graham (46th minute) supported an offload from Josh Kerr to establish a 20-8 lead.

The Bulldogs appeared to strike back with Jake Turpin crashing through the Dolphins' defence only for ecstasy to turn to disappointment with the referee deeming Reed Mahoney's pass forward.

The Dolphins made the most of their good fortune with Herbie Farnworth (64th minute) burrowing over from close range for a try that broke the Bulldogs' resolve.  

Tries to Francis Molo (73rd minute), Jake Averillo (76th minute) and Kurt Donoghoe (78th minute) completed a famous win for the visitors as the Bulldogs were left to lament only their second loss of the season. 

Next week, the Bulldogs (second bye) and Dolphins (first bye) will enjoy a weekend off respectively following the opening State of Origin fixture.