The North Coast Bulldogs Under-16s have kept their Andrew Johns Cup season alive after securing an impressive 26-12 victory over the previously undefeated Greater Northern Tigers on Saturday.
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The Bulldogs were boosted by the return of three players from the NSW Indigenous squad, including Kempsey's Timothy Bull, who helped the Bulldogs fire from the kick off.
The Bulldogs took a 14-0 lead into the sheds and added two more tries early in the second half to extend their advantage to 26.
The Tigers scored two late tries but the North Coast side's lead was never threatened.
Five Kempsey players made the trip to face off with the Tigers.
Bull had an exceptional game. The five-eighth finished with three try assists and crossed the line for a try of his own.
Bailey Thompson, who plays on the wing, was once again safe under the high ball and made the most of his kick returns as he put the Bulldogs in a strong position to start their sets. Thompson also showed great instincts in defence to cut out the Tigers' attacking raids.
Tyrell Dungay, who played centre, showed plenty of pace when given early ball from Bull and his defence was also on point.
O’Shea Tyreman, who plays on the wing, had the kicking duties and the magic boot on as he converted all five attempts. Tyreman had a safe game and defended well to shut down the Northern attack on the fringes.
Ray Chapman was 18th man and will likely take the field this weekend.
The Under-16s side is in third place and will need to defeat the Newcastle Knights Development Squad and the Tigers will need to suffer defeat for the Bulldogs to advance to the finals.
The Bulldogs' Under-18s team continued their undefeated season as they made easy work of the Tigers in a 34-12 victory.
Kempsey's Ivan Madden and Kaine Parkinson took to the field for the side.
Parkinson, who returned to the fullback position after a stint in the centres last week, converted five goals.
The Under-18s team is currently on the top of the table and can lock up a spot in the finals with a victory over the Knights this Saturday.
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