Depleted Bulldogs suffer heavy derby defeat

Following last week’s devastating cup semi final loss, the Bulldogs travelled to near neighbours Wigan for a derby game.

Missing many players with Ellis and Jimmy Q suffering broken bones last week, and four others unavailable for selection, the Bulldogs welcomed back Kayden following long term illness. Jordy made his Bulldogs debut.

The home team started the strongest and despite a fine scrum against the head on their own line to the Bulldogs, Wigan found the try line after 6 minutes. The try was converted (7-0).

With the Bulldogs deciding to run the ball from their own line, a litany of mistakes allowed Wigan to find their way over for a second try after 15 minutes. The difficult conversion hit the cross bar (12-0).

Wigan extended their lead moments later when poor defence from broken play saw an easy try. The conversion was missed (17-0).

Wigan added another try after 30 minutes from close range. The conversion was unsuccessful (22-0).

Rhys made a charging run to take the Bulldogs up field as they finished the half strongly.

HT: 22-0

Wigan bombed a chance on the back of three consecutive penalties at the start of the second half.

With 20 minutes left a coming together of both teams briefly paused the game.

Five minutes later Rhys found his way to line from close range after some fine Bulldogs driving. Noah converted the difficult conversion (22-7).

Despite resilient defence, Wigan scored a further try from close range with 5 minutes left. The conversion was successful (29-7).

Wigan then scored straight from the kick off with an easy converted try to bring an afternoon to forget to a close (36-7).

FT: 36-7