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2007 Bulldogs Harold Matthews Cup team Vs Sharks '07 (Photo : Steve Montgomery / OurFootyTeam.com) |
UNDEFEATED BULLDOGS INTO GRAND FINAL
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The Bulldogs Harold Matthews side have qualified for the 2007 Grand Final after continuing their unbeaten season with a come-from-behind 20-12 victory over
Newcastle yesterday.
The Under 16 side will face off in a rematch of the 2006 Grand Final on Saturday against
Penrith at the Western Weekender Stadium at St Mary's.
The Dogs have lost just one game in two years - that loss coming in last year's decider against
Penrith.
Yesterday's Semi Final was a battle between first and fifth and despite trailing 12-4 with 15 minutes remaining, the Bulldogs managed to scrape home.
Leading 12-4,
Newcastle looked certain to extend their lead as they found open space, however desperate defence from Ratu Tagive saved the try which would have almost certainly wrapped up the game.
The Bulldogs managed to work their way inside the Knights 20 metre zone where Ben Aualiita attracted 2 defenders before unloading to Liam Ayoub who went over to close the margin at 12-8.
Newcastle were still in the hot seat with the clock ticking away and it looked good for them after producing an overlap only for young Liam Ayoub to spoil the party as he pushed the
Newcastle winger over the sideline just metres short of the line in what would prove a match winner.
From there five-eighth Aiden Sezar put captain Ali Hijazi into space before Hijazi drew the Knights fullback as Nathan Massey raced 30 metres to score and put the Dogs in front 14-12.
As the clock ticked away the young Bulldogs found themselves working it out of their own half. Some crisp ball movement and determined metres saw the Dogs venture down-field to be within 30 metres of the
Newcastle line.
Sezar was again involved as he chipped and chased before passing to Hijazi who strolled over to make it 20-12 and secure a spot in the Grand Final.
The Panthers made light work of their Semi Final opponent, beating
Parramatta 34-12 in a one-sided affair.
Tries: 4
Ali Hijazi (2), Nathan Massey, Liam Ayoub
Goals: 2
Ali Hijazi, Tarek El Masri
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP LOCKER ROOM