Wentworthville Magpies have survived a late scare to claim their second win of the season, upsetting the Canterbury Bulldogs 25-18 at Pirtek Stadium.
Leading 18-6 at half time, the Magpies were in control for most of the match before a resurgent Bulldogs stretched their opposition for the full 80 minutes.
Late tries to Canterbury’s Tautalatasi Tasi and Jarrod Mclnally forced Wentworthville to defend their line for the final five minutes before Beau Henry stepped up and sealed the victory with a field-goal on the stroke of full time.
Wentworthville Hooker Zack Docker-Clay provided his side with the dream start just three minutes in when he muscled his way over from dummy half, however his good work was quickly undone when Canterbury’s Mclnally crossed for his first of the afternoon.
Despite the disappointment of conceding a fairly soft try, the Magpies quickly went about regaining the lead, and tries to interchange Lionel O'Mally and centre Fabian Goodall had the home side leading by two converted tries at the break.
Goodall had his second soon after half time when Parramatta back-rower Tepai Moeroa produced an offload for the skillful centre to dive over.
18 points clear and the game was all but over, reaping the rewards for their resilient defensive effort in the opening hour.
However, when Bulldogs winger Tasi crossed in the corner courtesy of a long floating cut-out, the margin was reduced to 12.
When Mclnally crossed for his second, just six points separated the Bulldogs from an unlikely comeback as Levi Dodd added the extras.
In a frantic final five minutes, the Magpies were forced to scramble in defence as the Dogs threw everything at their opposition.
Unable to capitalise on their momentum, the Bulldogs were shut out of the game when Henry slotted a one-pointer to ensure his side would claim the two competition points.
Wentworthville Magpies 25 (F Goodall 2, L O'Mally, Z Dockar-Clay tries; L Kelly 4 goals; B Henry field goal) bt Canterbury Bulldogs 18 (J McInally 2, T Tasi tries; L Dodd 3 goals)
