Bulldogs Down Sharks to Continue Undefeated Run

After a physical start it was the Bulldogs who scored first points with Jacob Preston showing some skill to bobble then regather the ball as he crossed for his second try of the season.

The Sharks hit back through Kayal Iro, who had a try taken off him earlier in the first half due to a knock-on in the lead-up. After setting up Iro’s try, Nicho Hynes converted to give his side a two-point lead.

A break from Kurt Mann almost ended in a Bronson Xerri try before half-time, however  Will Kennedy intercepted the pass and knocked the ball over the sideline.

Two minutes later Xerri did get his moment though with the speedy centre crossing to score in what was his first game at Sharks Stadium since he played for Cronulla in 2019.

The Dogs picked up from where they left off in the second half with Stephen Crichton beating two opposition players to score. The skipper converted his own try to extend his side’s lead to 14-6.

After a couple of sets down on the Sharks’ line, the Bulldogs were in again with a barnstorming Xerri crossing for his second of the night after charging through three Sharks players.

With just under over 16 minutes left on the clock Coach Cameron Ciraldo unleashed Todd, who became Bulldog no.872 in front of his family, who travelled eight hours to be on deck for the special moment.

After the final siren sounded, Todd was embraced at the fence by a boisterous group of his family and friends – in matching t-shirts – as they all soaked up the moment.

The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to their Round 6 Home game against the Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 20 (Jacob Preston, Bronson Xerri 2, Stephen Crichton tries; Stephen Crichton 2 goals;) def Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 6 (Kayal Iro try; Nicho Hynes goal)