Depleted Bulldogs dig deep for away win

The Bulldogs made the short journey to Orrell in their final game of the month, which had brought a win, draw and agonising Cup loss to Heaton Moor last time out.

The Bulldogs were severely depleted in number, missing nine players and began the game with no subs.

The Bulldogs made a good start on a very heavy pitch.

It took 15 minutes for the Bulldogs to break the deadlock with a smart forwards drive leading to Sammy diving over from close range. Noah converted the extras (7-0).

A mistake laden period was interrupted with a fine run from Jake who almost put the Bulldogs in at the corner.

The rest of the half petered out into a turgid slugfest.

HT: 0-7

The home side flew out of the blocks, scoring under the posts in the opening minute with some weak Bulldogs tackling. The try was converted to level the scores (7-7).

Orrell returned the kick off and went full length with the Bulldogs hard work in the first half blown away. The try was converted (14-7).

The Bulldogs hit back with an excellent kick from Leo and good chase leading to a penalty. Will took the quick tap to dive over from close range. Noah narrowly missed the difficult conversion (14-12).

With 12 minutes left, the Bulldogs hit the front with another smart forwards drive from a line out, allowing Will to find his way to the line. The conversion was unsuccessful (14-17).

Another controlled forwards move from a line out saw Harrison G show great strength to force his way over. Noah tagged on the extras (14-24).

With the clock ticking down, Orrell scored the best try of the game with a flowing move that saw them score in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful (19-24).

With the last play, Orrell broke free with a brilliant last gasp tackle from Leo thwarting the opposition. The Bulldogs held on for a resilient and determined win.

FT: 19-24