Cobras’ sting no match for Bulldogs’ bite

AFTER the surprise announcement from coach Beau Vernon that this will be his final year of senior coaching at the Bulldogs, the seniors went into this game determined to ensure Beau’s final weeks were something to be treasured.

And against the arch-rivals Cora Lynn, the game offered a mouth-watering challenge against a team with seven wins in a row.

A sizzling start from the Bulldogs, looking stronger and more tuned in than at any time through the year, saw them hold sway. 

A little like the week before, the return from the sizzling start wasn’t what was hoped with 13 scoring shots yielding only three goals in the first. 

Aside from the second where the Cobras matched the bulldogs resulting in a 22-point deficit at the half time break, the first was to set the scene for the rest of the game, with the Bulldogs dominating all aspects of play. 

With the backline - being led by the evergreen Damien Holmes - repelling the Cobras advances, and the Patillo-2 up to their dashing best, the Bulldogs were able to take charge through the back and mid-field. 

Captain Youle led the way in the middle, being feed from the ruck contents by that man Pederson. 

Billy Taylor took charge wherever he was positioned, Brendan Kimber was back to his best and Jack (Bison) Taylor and Max Blake causing having in the forward line. 

A strong supporting contingent with Cam Brown’s scintillating forward play, Orlando (Noosh) Kane-Gillard and Kai Mackenzie returning to close to their best, the Bulldogs looked good all over the ground.

The Cobras certainly didn’t give up. 
Led by Luke Ryan, Nathan Gardiner, and Cory Machaya in particular, the boys from Cora Lynn kept the pressure on the Bulldogs. 

Unfortunately for them, they lacked the ability to slice through the strong Bulldog mids and defence, almost certainly finding the conditions not to their liking.

The second half saw more return from forward forays for the Bulldogs, with a 7-4 to 1-3 return. 

The final margin of 59 points was certainly an accurate reflection of the return to form from the Bulldogs, and an exciting prelude to the final weeks of coach Vernon’s reign at the kennel.