Academy Wrap Round 7: Fiaola and Gale On Top

Sitting at the top of the Lisa Fiaola Cup table, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs scored another big win, this time 38-6 against the Newcastle Knights. 

With a dominant first half that saw a 28-6 scoreline at the break, it was another afternoon of dominance from Shanthie and Shakira Liu, joined by Jayda Peo as the trio of try scorers to bag a double. 

Head Coach Vanessa Foliaki highlighted the attacking prowess of her side, especially after overcoming some early adversity.  

"We went up to Newcastle fully aware it would be a tough challenge, and when they scored in the first two minutes, we knew they were going to back down without a fight," she said. 

"We made it clear all week that there would be no excuses for travelling up here. 

"Credit to the girls for bouncing back after being shell-shocked in those first few minutes, defending our line, and scoring some fantastic tries."

Tarsha Gale Cup: Bulldogs 20 def Knights 12

It was another impressive victory from the Bulldogs' Tarsha Gale Cup team, overcoming a brave Newcastle Knights outfit 20-12. 

The victory was one of the closer results for the side, who remain as the only undefeated side in the competition after seven rounds. 

It was a rare case of trailing at half-time for Head Coach Nik Wolfgramm's side, before two quick tries upon resumption coupled with a last-minute special from winger Elizabeth MacGregor sealed the result. 

"It was a tough day in the office for the girls but they showed grit and determination to come away with the two points," Wolfgramm said. 

"We always knew that the trip up the highway was going to be a challenge and Newcastle were desperate for the two points.

"We started well and were in control until we lost a few to injuries and HIA. To the girls' credit, they dug deep and ground out a win." 

Harold Matthews Cup: Bulldogs 10 def by Knights 40

It was an unfortunate result for the Harold Matthews Cup Bulldogs, who fell 40-10 against the Newcastle Knights. 

Despite an early deficit the side rallied back to bring back the scores, however it was the home side who ran away with the result in the second term to claim the two competition points.

While it was a tough afternoon for his side, Head Coach Mark O'Meley was quick to point out his side's effort. 

"The Knights opened their account early, but the boys rallied together and were able to gain momentum and lead 10-6 at the 20th minute. 

We looked in control until a few lapses in concentration led to two quick tries before half-time and another to start the second half.

"The scoreline doesn't reflect the effort but the team fought hard in patches and asked the Knights a lot of questions until the final whistle."

SG Ball Cup: Bulldogs 36 def Knights 30

The SG Ball Cup Bulldogs staked their claim for a finals finish with a high-scoring victory over the Newcastle Knights, 36-30.

The Bulldogs started hard and fast with two tries in the opening ten minutes, going on to lead 18-16 at the break thanks to a second try to Chase Geros. 

Newcastle shot out of the blocks to take the lead in the second half, but the Bulldogs put on the points, with a late try to Paul Johnson sealing the win. 

Halfback Matthew Barakat enjoyed a day out with a try and six goals to his name, totalling 16 points. 

For Head Coach Steve Turner, it was an almighty effort with a new-look team. 

"We headed to Newcastle which is never an easy road trip, but came away with a win which is a good result for the boys considering ten of the 18-man squad were all first year SG Ball players," he explained.

"We started well, but let the Knights back in the game through errors and poor discipline, but did lead at the break.

"It was a stop-start second half, but through effort and grit, we hung in there and got the win."