FOOTSCRAY was never allowed to play on its own terms in an 18-8 loss to Melbourne in the Victorian Rugby Union Premier 1 Dewar Shield at Henry Turner Reserve on Saturday.
The reason, Bulldogs coach Junior Naufahu said, was players’ inhibitions when meeting the competition’s undefeated runaway leader.
“I’m a bit disappointed. It doesn’t matter if we’re playing the top team, we should play how we want to play.
“This was the game that I wanted to win and I thought the boys would have a better chance.”
The Bulldogs were never in the hunt. Their points, a try to Tuipine Apineru and a conversion to Martin Laufahu, came late in the game when the horse had bolted.
Defensively, the Bulldogs left a lot to be desired. Naufahu said a lack of communication was to blame for the leaks, particularly when the ball was spread out wide.
Tight-head prop Melbourne Lesea was the standout for the Bulldogs at the breakdown. The Melbourne Rebels-aligned star can never be accused of lacking aggression.
“I call him the Romper Stomper,” Naufahu said. “He’s real aggressive around the field.”
Mataola Akauola was one of the few who punched holes in the Melbourne defence.
The lock forward set the standard with the ball in hand.
“He’s like a bulldozer,” Naufahu said.
“He always takes two or three guys on and he does it all day.”
Winger Mike Toetu was also praised for his hard-nosed defence.
The loss had seen the Bulldogs drop to fifth on the ladder.
They visit sixth-placed Power House on Saturday in a game that could have implications for the make-up of the finals.
