Round 1
Bulldogs 22 l. Panthers 24

2006 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Bulldogs
Hazem El Masri [WG] 10 Pts; 1t, 3/4g
Luke Patten [FB] 4 Pts; 1t
Willie Tonga [CT] 4 Pts; 1t
Mark O'Meley [BE] 4 Pts; 1t

Penrith Panthers
Preston Campbell [F8] 8 Pts; 4/5g
Craig Gower [HB] 4 Pts; 1t
Lee Hookey [WG] 4 Pts; 1t
Nick Youngquest [WG] 4 Pts; 1t
Matthew Cross [SR] 4 Pts; 1t



Panthers brush past disappointing Bulldogs
Sun March 12, 2006
The Bulldogs losing streak has been extended to seven after Penrith emerged 24-22 victors thanks to the boot of Preston Campbell and a few very questionable decisions that went in the visitors favour.

Willie Tonga started the match on the right foot for the Bulldogs when he scored outwide and it looked like that the Bulldogs would find the form that won them the 2004 Premiership. However, it was short lived when a mistake from Matt Utai gave Penrith possession 10m out from the line. A good set play from the scrum win saw Luke Lewis get on the outside of Reni Maitua with Nick Youngquest coming on the inside to score. Campbell converted the try and added a penalty goal for the Panthers to lead 8-6. Penrith received the benefit of one of the worst calls of the season to date when they got a penalty on the halfway line when Youngquest caught the ball inside the field of play only to put his foot out later. It was just one of many calls that Penrith received in their favour in a bleak refereeing performance by Sean Hampstead.

The Bulldogs struck back when they again attacked down the left hand side catching Campbell out of position in defence with Luke Patten crossing over to score. Hazem El Masri added his first goal of the season. The Bulldogs were up 10-8 and it was headed that way until halftime until Campbell made a neat half break and slipped a great offload to Craig Gower to score under the posts in his 200th first grade match. Campbell converted for the Panthers to lead 14-10 at the break.

Penrith dominated the second half and was rewarded when Lee Hookey scored in the 59th minute to extend Penrith's lead to 18-10 with Campbell unable to convert the try.

Willie Mason tried hard to motivate and lead the Bulldogs but they couldn't buy a penalty or a 50/50 decision for all but a short three minute period in the match. Corey Hughes had a fair try disallowed but the Bulldogs weren't to be denied when El Masri scored under the posts. El Masri converted his own try with the Bulldogs back within two points.

Matthew Cross sealed victory for Penrith with a late try but the Bulldogs scored in the last minute when Mark O'Meley crashed over.

Penrith played very impressively and took advantage of their opportunities with Gower and Campbell controlling the game perfectly.

The Bulldogs on the other hand couldn't hold the ball, couldn't get any field position and failed to get the crucial penalties. There were more concerns with several big name players performing well below their best and has been on a slide for a few years with O'Meley, Brent Sherwin and captain Andrew Ryan being three players who are struggling. Corey Hughes at times looked sharp but continually gave away stupid penalties and Adam Perry doesn't have the attacking spark that other dummy halves such as Danny Buderus, Cameron Smith, Robbie Farah and Aaron Payne have.

It doesn't get any easier for the Bulldogs coming up against premiers Wests Tigers and the Andrew Johns led Knights in the next two matches, which could more than likely extend the losing streak to nine matches.

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