Brilliant Bulldogs earn valiant draw

The Bulldogs got their 2024 campaign underway with their first ever 'away home' game. The magnificent Leigh Miners Rangers 4G ensured the game could go ahead despite the localised flooding.

The Bulldogs went into their first game in 28 days severely depleted through injury and illness with Owen making a welcome guest return and Evan stepping up following the Under 14s resounding earlier win.

The Bulldogs made a solid start, including an excellent kick and chase from Jack, but were hampered by conceeding a number of penalties which gave the visitors strong field position.

The Bulldogs came back and launched a series of strong attacks which were all thwarted by excellent Southport defence.

The first score came 25 minutes into the game when Southport picked up from the scrum and found their way to the line. The conversion was unsuccessful.

Another penalty put the Bulldogs under massive pressure on their own line but they held out until half time.

HT: 0-5

The Bulldogs made an excellent start to the second half with a series of controlled drives and rucks taking them to the edge of the Southport line.

The pressure paid off with the Bulldogs scoring an excellent try in the corner through Jack’s first ever score. The difficult conversion was missed.

With the Bulldogs playing some excellent rugby against a very good team, a series of self inflicted penalties and unforced errors allowed Southport good field position.

With 9 minutes of the half left the visitors pierced the Bulldogs defence to edge ahead. The conversion was successful.

With five minutes of the game left, Jack almost went in again only to be bundled into touch.

With two minutes remaining a brilliant catch and deft run from Ethan scythed through the defence and fed Harrison G for an outstanding try. Noah bravely converted to level the match.

The clocked ticked down on an excellent game with the Bulldogs playing their best rugby of the season in the second half.

FT: 12-12