It was an afternoon dominated by Bulimba’s big men as the Bulldogs oozed class in their 30-12 win in Open 1 Southside against a courageous Capalaba Warriors.
Played at the Balmoral Recreation ground last Saturday afternoon, Bulimba were clinical in their attack and took advantage of any field position that came their way against a Capalaba side who put up a good fight despite what the scoreline suggests.
Bulldogs winger Reed Wiki was outstanding on the flanks and his two tries within 10 minutes of kick off were nothing short of scintillating. He collected identical balls from five-eighth Cameron Joyce on both occasions to zip down the sideline.
Joyce’s experience was difference catalyst throughout this game with the former Intrust Super Cup player rallying his troops around the park.
To the Warriors credit though, hardworking hooker Craig Matheson and second rower Sione Hola didn’t take a backward step.
Both players were working hard up the middle, before inspirational five-eighth Max McMillan stepped off his right foot to go in beside the posts.
But with the Bulldogs playing at their fortress and second Rower Aaron Brown playing his 50th game for the club, it was going to take a monumental effort to get away with a win here.
Brown, who has been a warhorse for the Bulldogs, couldn’t have written the script any better as the rangy back rower collected a beautiful pass from hooker Josh Few and his strength was enough to crash in beside the posts.
While McMillan and fullback Aiden Whitehurst played out of their skins for the Warriors in this second half, it was not enough to stop the Bulldogs juggernaut, with winger Jamie Wetton sliding in for a terrific try to push the score out to 18-6.
The Bulldogs however were in again through fullback Dan Bristow after he took a beautiful pass from Joyce. Few converted and the lead had increased to 24-6.
Brown broke the Warriors resolve in the 67th minute with another four-pointer as the veteran proved unstoppable at close range to touch down once again.
The Warriors did however get the last say of the game when McMillan put a clever reverse kick in for a waiting Whitehurst and the underrated fullback crossed unopposed outwide.
Final score: Bulimba Bulldogs 30 def Capalaba Warriors 12