Aaron
Utai Slam
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2003
- Messages
- 9,552
- Reaction score
- 12
The Wests Tigers have survived one of Rugby Leagues great fight backs as the Bulldogs put on 18 point in the final 8 minutes of play. The Tigers moved out to a 36-18 lead with 11 minutes left on the clock in what looked like an unbeatable lead.
What occured next could not even be predicted by the great 'Nostradamus'. With 8 minutes left in the match Braith Anasta dove over in what seemed a late consollation try. Think again, the Bulldogs only grew in strength and ability as Williams broke the line with 6 minutes left on the clock. Anasta then scrambled through the Tigers defence before unloading a miracle offload around the back of the opposition to see Brent Sherwin score next to the uprights.
El Masri hurried the kick and only now were the crowd and commentators taking a fight back into account.
With the score at 36-30 in favour of the visitors, the 'Dogs needed nothing short of a miracle to level the scores. A penalty helped that miracle unfold as
Braith Anasta forced his way through the Tigers defence before stretching out and planting the ball on the line.
The crowd had errupted and El Masri faced a conversion attempt 15 metres in from touch to get the Bulldogs on level terms with only a minute remaining. The conversion was successful and it seemed as though the Bulldogs were on their way to claiming a remarkable fight back victory.
With less than a minute of play remaining, all the 'Dogs hard work became insignificant as Roy Asotasi spilt the ball just 30 metres out from his own line. The Tigers halfback Scott Prince then broke the hearts of Bulldogs fans as he slotted a field goal from 20 metres out to give the visitors a 37-36 point victory.
The Tigers now officially have the wood over the Bulldogs, winning 4 of the last 6 games contested between the two clubs.
After 3 rounds gone in the 2005 Telstra Premiership, the defending premiers now sit at 1 win, 2 losses despite winning in round 1, they have now lost consecutive matches to see them out of the top 8.
Bulldogs tryscorers included:
Luke Patten (5m), Jamaal Lolesi (7m), Andrew Ryan (23m), Braith Anasta (71m), Brent Sherwin (74m), Braith Anasta (79m).
Goals:
Hazem El Masri (6/6)
Wests Tigers tryscorers included:
Brett Hodgson (17m), Danial Fitzhenry (40m), Scott Prince (43m), Bronson Harrison (56m), Scott Prince (62m), John Wilson (67m).
Goals:
Brett Hodgson (6/6)
Source: www.thekennel.com.au/dogleague
