BATHURST Bulldogs and Orange City meet in a Blowes Clothing Cup elimination final for the second year running, and if this Sunday’s match plays out in a similar way to the 2016 contest then spectators better bring some popcorn.
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Last year’s meeting at Ashwood Park saw the Bulldogs take an extra time victory over the Lions in an impressive second half fight back from the Bathurst club.
One man who doesn’t want another nail biting finish is Bulldogs co-coach Nathan Pearce.
“We’d like to get the same result but I think we’d like to get it in a more direct manner,” he said.
“We want to go out there and dominate from the word go. We spoke at training about last year’s game. Obviously it was an amazing match but we don’t want to play one like that again.
“The belief in our rugby in that second half was amazing. The City team we’re playing on Sunday won’t be the same quality as the team we beat that day, but eight weeks ago they were dead in the water … so we won’t be taking them lightly.”
Bulldogs will be considered heavier favourites for this Sunday’s match compared to the memorable 2016 thriller. Just three points separated the clubs at the end of last year’s regular season, but this year Bathurst boasts a 22 point margin.
However, if the blue and gold want to remain in the finals race they will need to rely on their depth to get them home.
Bulldogs came up short in their bid to take down the unbeaten Orange Emus in the last round of the regular season.
In an extra blow for the Bulldogs from that match they now wait nervously on the fitness of both Jack Roberson and Izaak Breen.
“The mood’s not great after getting towelled up by Emus, and we’re carrying a couple of injuries from the game,” Pearce said.
“It was a game where for 60 minutes we were right in the hunt. We’re a long way from getting another shot at Emus, and the next time will likely be the grand final if we can get there. There’s a lot to improve on to make that happen.
“City have some really good back rowers and some centre field backs. Logan Brockman plays hard, and we can’t afford to let him do anything.
“The fact that we’ve got all grades into finals is great. First grade is the lowest placed side to get through though, so we have to lift and lead by example.”
Bulldogs and City face off from 3.15pm Sunday at Ashwood Park.
