The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs ran in 12 tries in their 64-12 win over Parramatta Eels Monday at Accor Stadium, completing Round 15 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
Man of the Match Kyle Flanagan produced 32-points and led his side through the middle, with the returning Braidon Burns collecting a hat-trick on the right edge.
It was the perfect start for the Bulldogs, scoring three tries in the first three sets of the match. Burns scored the opening try within 70 seconds.
Match: Bulldogs v Eels
Round 15 -
home Team
Bulldogs
1st Position
away Team
Eels
10th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
A penalty in the following set marched the Bulldogs back downfield, before Kyle Flanagan dived over untouched to score. Three tackles later, a show and go from Fa’amanu Brown gave Joseph O’Neill his first NSW Cup try in just his second appearance.
The Bulldogs forward pack continued their dominacne through the middle, then a deft kick from Flanagan gave Burns his second. The home side now led 22-0 inside the opening fifteen minutes.
Parramatta’s Zac Cini showed why he has the most tackle busts in the league at 70, adding a few more to the tally to put his side on the board under the posts.
The Bulldogs finished the half well, with strong hole-running from Reece Hoffman and Jackson Topine providing inside supporter Flanagan with a first-half hat-trick.
A simple shift to the right soon after, allowed Jeral Skelton to use his footwork and leave the defence behind him to score in the corner. Flanagan nailed a sideline kick to cap off an incredible 40-6 first half.
Parramatta was first to score in the second half when second-rower Jack Murchie found a huge hole in the Dogs’ defence to bust over.
Blake Wilson’s gallop past halfway got the Bulldogs back on the front foot to set up another four-pointer, with Kitione Kautoga muscling over from dummy-half. Flanagan had his fourth try a minute later, again in support to score under the posts off Franklin Pele’s barnstorming run.
The Bulldogs finishing the game how they started, scoring three tries in three sets. Kautoga bagged a double, while Burns flicked a pass for winger Eli Clark to score, before completing a hat-trick in his first game back.
Talking points
Kyle Flanagan yet again impressed in his new role at starting hooker. He scored four tries, had a try assist and a handful of try involvements, tallying 32 points including 24 in the first half.
Bulldogs fullback Blake Wilson starred at the back, running for 267 metres from 12 carries.
The Bulldogs’ 64 points is the most in a game by any NSW Cup team this year, beating the Warriors’ 54-point win over Newcastle Knights in round six.
Key Moment
Opening the match by completing four from four sets, producing 235 metres and three tries, the start by Bulldogs set the tone for the match.
What’s next?
Both teams return home on Saturday afternoon, with the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground against Penrith Panthers and the Eels taking on Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at CommBank Stadium.
