Stunning second half comeback from Bulldogs

The Bulldogs returned to more familiar home surroundings following last week’s epic draw against Southport at Leigh Miners Rangers.

Waterloo once again made the long trip to Hand Lane following an early season 15-12 defeat to the Bulldogs in September.

The Bulldogs welcomed back a whole host of players following the bare bones challenges last week, with Kayden still missing through long term illness and Jake through injury.

The game began at an electric pace with the Bulldogs staring brightly.

The Bulldogs were incredibly unlucky when a penalty kick to touch was brilliantly tapped back into play by Harrison G only for the ball to pop into the opposition hands for a try after four minutes. The conversion was missed (0-5)

The second Waterloo try came five minutes later with further good fortune. Another penalty was put through hands before a kick bounced out of Bulldogs hands and into the opposition. The conversion was successful (0-12).

With the Bulldogs continually turning the ball over and conceding penalties, Waterloo became dominant.

The Bulldogs gradually found their rhythm and came back into the game with two near misses.

With fives minutes of the half remaining the Bulldogs finally made the connection with a solid scrum feeding the line and a deft kick by Ethan finding Isaac in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful (5-12).

The Bulldogs almost went back to back with an excellent break from Noah just falling short and similarly a long run from Ethan pinning the visitors to their own line.

Despite the Bulldogs pressure, Waterloo held out to the half time whistle.

HT: 5-12

The Bulldogs scored first after 5 minutes with a fine try from Leo in the corner following a good run from Ellis. The difficult conversion was missed (10-12).

With the Bulldogs gaining dominance, some poor decision making put themselves under pressure which finally resulted in a penalty kick that Waterloo narrowly missed to extend their lead.

The Bulldogs finally hit the front for the first time in the match after 15 minutes of the half with Henry scoring after excellent Bulldogs team try. Noah converted the try (17-12).

Two minutes later Isaac tore through the line to extend the lead. Once again Noah converted (24-12).

With the Bulldogs rampant, Leo’s run was halted, but following the breakdown Harrison G made a deft break and fed Will for another excellent try. The conversion was unsuccessful (29-12).

With the clocking ticking down another fine Harrison G kick fell kindly for Ethan who scored in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful (34-12).

A stunning second half performance saw the Bulldogs storm to victory.

FT: 34-12