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In
what has been a year of controversy, the Canterbury
Bulldogs have won the 2004 NRL premiership,
defeating the Sydney Roosters 16-13 at Telstra
Stadium tonight. Following a series of accusations
which have damaged the club and the game itself,
the Bulldogs have struck back in the best
way possible, claiming the title of 2004 champions.
In
a first half of end-to-end football, minor
premiers the Roosters were first to score
when Chris Walker ran onto a deft kick from
champion five eighth Brad Fittler, playing
in his final game. The Bulldogs fought back
with a try to Matt Utai in the 24th minute.
In
a match marred by handling errors, Roosters
half back Brett Finch potted a surprise field
goal in the 34th minute before Anthony Topou
combined to put fullback Anthony Minichiello
in under the posts. At half time, the Roosters
held 13-6 lead and looked set to give Fittler
a worthy send off.
But
the Bulldogs scored soon after the break with
Matt Utai bagging a double. They scored again
in the 53rd minute with Hazem El Masri posting
his 100th career and club try.
With
plenty of football left, both sides defended
desperately with the Roosters remaining scoreless
in the second half for the first time this
year.
In
a tense finish, the Roosters mounted a final
raid before back rower Andrew Ryan, in his
first match as captain, pulled off what may
have been a try saving tackle to win possession,
and the premiership for the Bulldogs.
After
the match, Ryan paid tribute to injured and
departing skipper Steve Price when he said,
"I'm just filling in here."
Meanwhile,
utility player Jonathon Thurston, also departing
next year, was making no secret of the fact
that he had given Price his Grand Final ring.
Telstra
Stadium, Crowd: 82,127
Referee: Tim Mander
ROOSTERS
13
Tries: Walker, Minichiello
Goals: Fitzgibbon 2/2. Field Goal: Finch
defeated by
BULLDOGS 16
Tries: Utai 2, El Masri
Goals: El Masri 1/3
By
the clock:
PRE-MATCH: Huge crowd on hand and tremendous
evening for football. Roosters have won both
lower grades with Jersey Flegg defeating Sharks
14-13 and Premier League defeating Dragons
30-8.
NEWS
is that Chris Flannery will be playing for
the Roosters despite earlier reports of a
ruptured testicle.
Players getting ready, pre-match entertainment
almost out of the way.
Light
rain falling. Players on the field. Kickoff!!!
The 2004 Grand Final is underway!
8
min: NEWS - end to end stuff with both sides
adjusting to the slightly greasy conditions.
The Bulldogs coming close the line. Willie
Mason is fired up!
15
min: TRY - Roosters.
Chris Walker scores under posts after a magical
short kick from Brad Fittler into the red
zone. Scored against the run of play but very
hard to defend against.
Conversion Craig Fitzgibbon.
Roosters 6-0
17
min: NEWS - Tremendous 60m run from Bulldogs
winger Matt Utai.
20
min: NEWS - Interchange being employed with
Sonny Bill Williams coming on for the Bulldogs.
24
min: TRY - Bulldogs.
Matt Utai scores following a backline movement
which sees the try scorer unmarked on the
left flank.
Conversion Hazem El Masri is waved away.
Roosters 6-4
29
min: PENALTY GOAL - Bulldogs.
El Masri makes no mistake from in front.
It's all locked up: 6-all
34
min: FIELD GOAL - Roosters.
Brett Finch pots one over from 45m out, surprising
everyone.
Roosters 7-6
35
min: TRY - Roosters.
Anthony Minichiello scores under the posts
after a bust from 60m out from Anthony Topou.
Conversion Fitzgibbon.
Roosters 13-6
37
min: NO TRY - Roosters denied after obstruction
is ruled. Minichiello close to scoring again
as the Roosters are on a roll.
HALF
TIME SUMMARY: The Bulldogs came out all guns
firing but have been stung by great counter
measures from the Roosters.
For the Bulldogs, forwards Willie Mason and
Mark O'Meley have been standouts running into
traffic while Tony Grimaldi has been leading
the way in defence.
For the Roosters, halfback Brett Finch is
proving dangerous both sides of the ruck with
Craig Fitzgibbon leading the way in defence.
The Bulldogs have their work cut out for them
and will need to score next.
Half time: Roosters 13-6
Second
half underway...
43
min: TRY - Bulldogs.
Matt Utai in the corner after Brett Sherwin
switches play to the blind side. Looking well
covered, Utai manages to ground the ball inside
the touch line and survives the video ref
scrutiny.
Conversion from El Masri is a ripper.
Roosters 13-12
50
min: NEWS - Still 13-12 with plenty of pressue
being applied both ways.
53
min: TRY - Bulldogs.
El Masri scores his 100th career try after
Sherwin weaves his magic wide of the ruck,
stepping around the outside defence. El Masri
lunges over after not being held up.
Wide conversion unsuccessful.
Bulldogs 16-13
55
min: NEWS - Ned Catic (Roosters) penalised
for high tackle. More ball for Bulldogs who
have lately been getting a Lion's share of
possession.
CROWD posted: 82,127
62
min: NEWS - Still 16-13 to the Bulldogs. Willie
Mason is held up over the line. Roosters look
to be all sorts of strife but survive.
64
min - 70 min: NEWS - Finch (Roosters) hits
the chalk, kicking out on the full while looking
for a 40/20. Bulldogs back on the attack but
bungle the effort, losing possession.
The Roosters reply with some sensational attacking
movements - its now the Bulldogs' turn to
absorb some pressure.
Superb defence from both sides.
70
min: NEWS - deep in their own half, Roosters
put the big push on and win the scrum against
the feed.
73
min: NEWS - Flannery (Roosters) makes a huge
bust of the middle of the ruck. Roosters now
on a repeat set.
76
min: NEWS - Bulldogs in possession. Players
digging deep as Jonathon Thurston kicks to
find touch 5m out from the Roosters' line.
79
min: NEWS - Roosters have the ball. Last chance
on half way.
Playing for their lives, Michael Crocker loses
the ball after a big hit from Andrew Ryan...
and possession belongs to the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs
win!
FULL
TIME SUMMARY: The Bulldogs have hung on to
win 16-13, keeping the Roosters scoreless
in the second half for the first time in 2004.
Willie Mason has been awarded the Clive Churchill
Medal and it's hard to argue with that.
Too many mistakes but it was a tough match
with defence winning out in the end.
For the Roosters, Fitzgibbon and Minichiello
never stopped trying while Jason Cayless was
worked hard in both defence in attack.
The Bulldogs were simply too good in the second
half with Brett Sherwin and Matt Utai taking
full advantage of the hard work done up front,
with the entire pack doing the job.
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Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 - W Mason (Bulldogs)
2 - B Sherwin (Bulldogs)
1 - C Fitzgibbon (Roosters)
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