Valiant Bulldogs go down in Cup classic

The Bulldogs made the journey to Stockport to face Heaton Moor who ended their Lancashire Cup bid at the quarter final stage last season.

Heaton Moor went into the game unbeaten with four wins from four in Group A of the Lancs Cup, whilst the Bulldogs had registered two wins from three.

The home team scored first after 5 minutes following two Bulldog mistakes which allowed them to drive over from close range. The conversion was unsuccessful (5-0).

The Bulldogs hit straight back following numerous penalties with the home team constantly offside.

A drive from Will and smart offload saw Ethan squeeze in at the corner after 15 minutes. The conversion was unsuccessful (5-5).

The Bulldogs then hit the front with arguably their best try of the season. With the scrum under pressure a brave run from Leo on his own line found a gap and a pass to Isaac who motored home for a length of the field try. Noah added the extras (5-12).

With three minutes of the half left the home team’s incessant offside cost them when Noah flicked over a penalty from close range (5-15).

The game was briefly paused when Captain Will accidentally knocked the referee over.

With the clock in overtime, Heaton Moor drove over from close range. The conversion was unsuccessful (10-15).

HT: 10-15

The home team started brightly and converted their momentum into points with a try after 6 minutes to level the scores. The conversion was missed (15-15).

With 15 minutes gone, the Bulldogs turned over the ball and Heaton Moor took advantage with a try under the posts which was converted (22-15).

With 10 minutes to go the Bulldogs gained good field position. A smart kick from Ethan found Isaac out wide who did a superman dive to find the corner for a brilliant try. The difficult conversion was missed (22-20).

Despite a valiant effort the Bulldogs could not overcome a very strong home team despite playing some excellent rugby.

FT: 22-20