THE Bulldogs have earned a much needed victory, 36-32, in a try-scoring frenzy against the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium on Saturday night, bouncing back from last week’s 66-0 thrashing.
Bulldogs recruit Toby Sexton sealed the result when diving on a grubber five metres out from his own line, effectively staving off a Souths comeback.
Importantly, his presence and direct style of play appeared to free up star half Matt Burton, who in turn enjoyed arguably his best game of the year despite having a laser pointed at his face while attempting a conversion just nine minutes into the match.
It was a difficult shot from the sideline, but gathering himself after, Burton charged in and hit the ball as sweetly as possible levelling the score at 6-6.
Moments later, ground security located the teenager who allegedly shone the banned green laser and evicted him.
In just the fourth game of his career, winger Blake Wilson scored a hat-trick, while Jake Averillo starred at fullback, with two try assists and three line-break assists.
After establishing a 36-22 lead with 10 minutes to go, the Dogs appeared to be home safe before South Sydney scored twice in two minutes to get within a try but the Dogs hung on.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said there was a lot he liked about the match but a lot they need to fix up moving forward.
“I loved what Burto (Matt Burton) did today, probably what everyone saw but a lot of off the ball stuff as well, especially his defence, I thought that was his best defensive game,” he said. The Bulldogs take on the Broncos on Saturday from 3pm at Belmore Sports Ground.
