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 maul Knights The Northern Bulldogs and the Linwood Keas are still joint top of the Massetti Cup Rugby League Premiership. The Bulldogs retained their spot with a 10 try mauling of the Riccarton Knights, 52-0. Ahead 22-0 at halftime, they were never in doubt. Vinnie Paul scored three tries, Patella Tou 2, with one each to Atunaisa Takulou, Manu Tipelu, Izic Placid, Zac Riley, and Stephen Maat. Tipelu also knocked over 5 goals, and Ethan Plaskett ... Bulldogs back on track The Northern Bulldogs got back on winning track with a try fest over the Papanui Tigers, 50-24. It wasn’t all plain sailing though, as they were behind at halftime, but tries to Atunaisa Takubu (2), Zac Riley (2), Nick Wain, Petaia Saukuru, Vinnie Paul, Kayne Smith, Lucuster Mati, and Viliame Koroi, along with four goals from Manu Tipio, saw them safely home, and back into equal top of the table. The Canterbury Cup reserves had ... Bulldogs through to semi finals The Northern Bulldogs defeated the Celebration Lions 20-14, to seal their place in the Canterbury Rugby League Massetti Cup semifinals. They were pipped for the minor premiership by the Linwood Keas who finished on the same points but with a marginally better for against record. The sudden death semifinal will be played against the Hornby Panthers this weekend at Murphy Park. In the Canterbury Cup reserves grade, the Northern Bulldogs took second place, after their ... Bulldogs Batter Lions Rugby League was back on the park over the weekend for the first time since lockdown. The Northern Bulldogs faced the Celebration Lions at Cuthberts Green, and picked up a 34-12 win. The Canterbury Cup reserves travelled down to Ashburton to face the Barbarians, and they too got up over their opposition 46-20. Over at the Papanui Domain, the Presidents side had a good battle with the Papanui Tigers, but were eventually defeated 28-20. Midweek the ... Clean Sweep for Seniors It was a clean sweep for the Northern Bulldogs senior teams at the weekend. The Premiers retained their unbeaten run with a win over the Eastern Eagles. It was a pulsating match at Wainoni Park, as the Bulldogs fought back from a 10-16 deficit at halftime to win 26-22. The Canterbury Cup reserves defeated the Eastern Eagles comfortably 34-4, and the Presidents grade picked up a win 12-8 over the Addington Eagles. The juniors didn’t ...