The Bulldogs, Minor Premiers of first
division have taken out a thriller in the grand final.
After getting awarded a controversial
try in the 4th minute the Bulldogs had the run of play early in the match.
To the Dragons credit they held in and after 20 minutes turned things around.
With strong running and brutal defense the Dragons applied the blow torch
to the Dogs. Only poor handling stopped them from scoring until the 33rd
minute when McBride crossed to make it 6 all. The Dragons continued to
apply the pressure until half time, and could have easily lead by up to
12 points had the passes stuck.
The Dragons started the second half
the way the finished the first. They crossed the 45th minute to take the
lead for the first time in the match. Dragons giant centre Chris Nero getting
the 4 pointer. The Doggies struck back quickly though, with Thurston running
onto an Oliver pass to run 40 metres to lock it back up at 12 all in the
48th minute.
It didn’t stay that way for long though,
only 5 minutes later Thurston landed his second try of the match off a
great team effort in a blind side raid. At 18 – 12 the Dogs looked to be
getting on top of the Dragons, with plays starting to come together and
some cohesion in the Dogs attack. The Dragons responded well to the pressure
though, laying on the next two tries. Kativerata ( 61st minute ) and Tutt
( 67th minute ) getting the Dragons back in front at 22 – 18.
A four point ball game with little
time on the clock saw the Bulldogs experienced centre Steve Hughes get
on the outside of his opponent. Hughes drew in the full back and put Howland
over the line and it was 22 all.
Enter Thurston and a side line kick
to rival Hazem’s against the Knights. This one wasn’t for just two points,
it was for the whole enchilada, winner takes all. He gets it and the Dogs
win, he misses and it’s looking like extra time. As cool as a cucumber
Thurston lines it up and nails it over the black dot giving the Dogs a
two point lead with less than five minutes to go.
The Dogs held on thanks to some dropped
ball by the Dragons.
FIRST DIVISION GRAND FINAL
3:50PM, Sunday, 06 October, 2002
Telstra Stadium
Referee: Tony Archer
Best on Ground
1 – Jonathon Thurston ( Bulldogs )
2 – Reece Simmonds ( Dragons )
3 – Steve Hughes ( Bulldogs )
Scorers
Dragons: 22
Tries: McBride, Nero, Kativerata,
Tutt
Goals: Christenson 3/5
Bulldogs: 24
Tries: Harris, Thurston x2, Howland
Goals: Thurston 4/4
