Seniors Report Round 5: Roosters Battle Bulldogs

It was predicted to be wet and wild in the Sydney Roosters' NSW Cup side on Saturday afternoon as they battled the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, but a dry track saw a thrilling match ensue at Belmore Sports Ground.

Meanwhile, the Jersey Flegg Cup match, also against the Bulldogs, was postponed due to predicted wet weather, with a rescheduled date yet to be announced. 

NSW Cup | Roosters Brave But Bulldogs Get Points 

Sydney Roosters 14 def by Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 20

It was a brave effort from the NSW Cup Sydney Roosters side, who were pipped by a converted try at Belmore Sports Ground in Round 6. 

After a stalemate between the two sides in the opening quarter of the match, it was fullback Harry McKeon who sliced through the defence to score first and get the Tricolours on the board. 

A strong charge from front rower Taylor Losalu set up the second try minutes later, which saw halfback Hugo Savala put back rower Corey Ross over to extend the lead. 

Unfortunately, it was a nightmare final ten minutes of the first half for the Red, White and Blue, as the Bulldogs replied twice just before the siren for a 10-all scoreline, with a try in the 39th minute proving to be a momentum shifter.

Canterbury then backed up their effort for a third consecutive four-pointer to open the second term, with their lead extended with just over ten remaining as they struck once again out wide.

A late try to Kyron Fekitoa with just minutes remaining that gave the Roosters a glimmer of hope to steal victory from the jaws of defeat, however, time proved to be against them as the Bulldogs claimed a six-point victory. 

The Sydney Roosters NSW Cup side will look to return to the winners' circle against the Newcastle Knights at 5:20pm this Thursday night at McDonald Jones Stadium prior to the NRL match.