The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have won their first match of the Intrust Super Premiership NSW ten rounds into the season, with Jarrod McInally stealing the show with six tries.
With both sides quick off the mark in their first sets of six, it was none more so than the Belmore boys; with their first opportunity to pose a threat coming to them just moments in. The momentum of the game quickly advanced, although a lose carry from the home side followed by a penalty allowed the visitors to advance to 10 metres out from the their own line.
Despite the pressure, the Bulldogs were able to hold tight on their defensive line. Wentworthville’s Cameron King would be the first to cross the line for the visitors from first receiver, but was held up under the post for the Magpies.
The Bulldogs were quick to retaliate, opening the playing field with short passes seeing Canterbury advance 30 metres up the field with little effort. Jarrod McInally, who proved to be the star of the show, was able to open the scoreboard with his first try on the wing within the first five minutes of the game.
With try line fever, the traffic became all one-way for the home side; with Tony Williams proving to be instrumental in pushing his boys up the field.
Although the Magpies were not going down quiet that easily, with Troy Dargan finding a gap in the Bulldogs defense to place the side, in perfect scoring position.
The Bulldogs were forced to defend two consecutive sets of six but it was McInally to the rescue, flying through the air and saving the home side from another close call. Present throughout the entirety of the match, the Bulldogs winger was then able to score his second for the afternoon; putting the Belmore boys in front to a 10-0 with Dane Chisholm successful in converting the kick after 20 minutes of play.
The Canterbury side seen in previous matches was unrecognizable compared to the one who decided to play today.
Excitement was beginning to overshadow the judgement of the Belmore boys, which allowed Wentworthville an offside infringement to their advantage. The ill discipline of the home side saw Honeti Tuha cross for the visitors; putting the side on the board for the first time. The conversion was unsuccessful by the visitors and the Bulldogs led 10-4 with 13 minutes until half-time.
Frustration took over for Wenty, with consecutive penalties seeing the visitors once again defend their tryline.
McInally was able to seal a hat-trick before the end of the first half in the same place he’d been twice before. Dane Chishlom was unable to convert his effort, with the Bulldogs going into the shed with a 10-point lead
Despite the lead, this where the Bulldogs have been many times before; and walked away from matches winless.
The second half held just as much energy as the first, with both leaving nothing in the tank. A compelling foot race between Matt Frawley and Scott Schulte kicked off the second half theatrics. Wentworthville were able to cross once again through Honeti Tuha, in a 90-metre effort was unattainable scoring in the corner, with conversion once again unsuccessful.
Although nothing would be more impressive than Jarrod McInally scoring an unimagined six tries in the match for the home side, followed by Brad Abbey to push the Belmore boys in an unattainable position. It saw the home side break the drought with their first victory for the season, defeating the Magpies 42-12.
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