15 September Bulldogs beaten September 15, 2020 By Pam Fraser Sport The Northern Bulldogs have had a terrific season in both the Premiership grade, and the Canterbury Cup reserves competition, making the grand finals in both. However, it was not to be for either side this season. The reserves went down in the first match of the afternoon, 34-14 to the Linwood Keas, in what was a tight first half. They were down 12-10 at halftime after Linwood scored first. The Bulldogs replied through Steven Crudis busting over the line. The Kea’s scored a second, but on the stroke of halftime the Bulldogs kept themselves in it with a try out wide to Kayne Smith. In the second half the Linwood Keas pulled ahead, and despite a consolation try to John Kaukura, the spirited Bulldogs team was defeated. In the Premier Grand Final, the Linwood Keas were vying for a 5th title, with the Northern Bulldogs standing in their way. And it was a truly torrid affair, worthy of a grand final between two teams who could barely be separated all season. The Bulldogs took a 10-nil lead, with a try out wide from Cameron Godfrey, and a dazzling run from Zac Riley. The Linwood Keas then bounced back with two tries of their own to get to halftime only two points behind the Bulldogs 8-10. The Keas took the lead early in the second half, and the battle ensued with both teams having opportunities from strong sets. However, it was the Keas who would convert points from two goals, despite having to defend their goal line in the dying minutes. The Bulldogs defeated 10-16 in the end, but a great season, nonetheless. Related Articles Bulldogs Unbeaten The Northern Bulldogs won their second round match against last year’s defending champions, the Linwood Keas, 12-8, at Murphy Park. The Bulldogs got off to a great start with a try to Zac Riley, however the Keas hit back late in the half, and the Bulldogs carried a 2 point advantage into the break. Kayne Smith’s try in the second half gave the Bulldogs the lead again 12-4. But the ever present Keas found ... Bulldogs beaten The current Premiership leaders, Hornby, took down the Northern Bulldogs this week 44-10 at Murphy Park. Hornby led 22-0 at halftime, and continued their domination despite the Bulldogs getting points on the board. Hornby remain unbeaten alongside perennial winners, Linwood. Points: Hornby 8, Linwood 8, Celebration 6, Halswell 6, Bulldogs 2, Riccarton 2, Papanui 0, Eastern 0. The Bulldogs reserves however had a dominant 34-20 win over the Woolston Rams, earlier in the afternoon. They sit ... Bulldogs bounce back After losing their opening match last weekend, a repeat of the 2020 grand final against the Linwood Keas, the Northern Bulldogs have bounced back with a convincing win at home, at Murphy Park. They met the Eastern Eagles, who were first to get the scoring underway, however one the Bulldogs found the mark, they romped away with a 54-14 win. The Bulldogs will be looking to continue that form this weekend when they face the ... Bulldogs back on track The Northern Bulldogs got their season back on track with a solid win over the Halswell Hornets, at Murphy Park. The Bulldogs led 10-8 at halftime after tries to Josh Endacott and Cameron Godfrey, but it was a second half hattrick of tries from Bulldog Izic Placid that thawted any thought of a Hornet comeback. The Bulldogs finishing with a 28-18 victory. Points: Hornby 10, Linwood 8, Celebration 6, Halswell 6, Bulldogs 4, Riccarton 4, ... Bulldogs battle to win The Northern Bulldogs faced the Celebration Lions at Cuthberts Green. The Lions were celebrating their club day, and it was heading towards being a good one with the Lions taking the lead 10-6 at halftime. However, the Bulldogs were not going to let them enjoy the day too much, and they battled to a 20-14 win. Ethan Plaskett went over for two tries, and Nathaniel Tirikatene and Josh Rawiri, scored one a piece. Rawiri ... Bulldogs maul Tigers The Northern Bulldogs handed out a mauling to the Papanui Tigers in the Canterbury rugby league premier grade. They finished off eleven tries to win 56-8, despite only leading 16-4 at halftime. Josh Endacott went on a point scoring spree, picking up three tries and five goals for a 22 point haul. Javaan Togiaso got himself a brace of tries, and Vinnie Paul, Mathew Couch, Ethan Plaskett, Nathaniel Tirikatene, Manu Tipelu, and Josh Rawiri ...