Bulldogs bitten by Panthers in round 3
‘‘Mistakes got us today – I don't think Hornby was the better side, I thought we let ourselves down in the second half.’’
Hornby Panthers made it back to back wins with a strong comefrom-behind win at Murphy Park, just pushing out the Northern Bulldogs side 20-16.
Two players who had just completed a Canterbury Cup game were called up to the bench for the Panthers after they lost Tyrone Arona and Rulon Nutira in the warm-up.
Chris Bamford put the Bulldogs on the board first with his fifth try of the season.
The hosts then took a 12-0 lead over their rivals thanks to some brilliance of Chase KereamaWilliams who finished off a spectacular long-range movement that featured a stunning centring kick from winger Leon Jarden.
The injury-ravaged Panthers hit back with two brilliant tries from kicks before halftime.
Then in the second half they dominated.
Charlie Charlie scored his second and Tauvale Tauvale steamed in four points, with James Baxendale landing two stunning sideline conversions for a crucial eight-point buffer.
Izic Placid added a late try for the Bulldogs.
Hornby coach Jed Lawrie praised his side’s composure in fighting back from an early double-digit deficit.
‘‘We were playing good footy early, we probably just overplayed a bit. Once we found our rhythm and structure we were pretty good,’’ Lawrie said post-match.
‘‘We were a bit wobbly with the ball but it’s probably going to take a bit of time and having that sort of build-up (with late injury withdrawals) is not the best.’’
Bamford was ruing a missed opportunity for the previously unbeaten Bulldogs to make a big statement against one of the Massetti Cup’s benchmark teams.
But he was nevertheless pleased with his team’s effort.
‘‘We were definitely up for the challenge. We had Vinnie (Paul) missing today, but Hornby had injuries too,’’ Bamford said.
‘‘Mistakes got us today – I don’t think Hornby was the better side, I thought we let ourselves down in the second half.’’
Northern fullback Nick Wain had a blinder in the beaten side.
While Tauvale and Will Tafua were superb in the centres for Hornby, and young Panthers playmaker Benji Heather looks to be a star of the future.