THE Bathurst Bulldogs have taken a giant step in securing their Central West Rugby Union semi-final position after a 27-21 win over Cowra on Saturday.
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A disappointing start cost Cowra on their home ground, in what developed into a quality game of rugby.
The result leaves the Eagles, who were one of the form teams in the early part of the season, six points adrift of Forbes in fifth spot.
For the Bulldogs, it gives them a seven-point buffer over the Eagles, the only side who realistically could knock them out of a finals spot.
More importantly, ’Dogs now go to fourth and have the upper hand in the battle for a home semi-final.
After falling behind, Cowra came within one point of the ’Dogs after the break, but a second try to Bathurst centre Brodie Scott put a stop to the Eagles’ comback.
According to Cowra’s captain Adam Meiklejohn, slow starts have become all too familiar in recent weeks and it’s something they need to rectify.
“The first 20 minutes in the last three weeks, we can’t seem to get our rhythm. It makes it bloody tough,” Meiklejohn said.
“We had enough ball to win it.”
Bathurst broke out to a 19-point lead in the opening stages of the contest, as Scott finished off a swift backline movement to cross for his first of the day.
Inform Hayden Tidswell continued to be a focal point for Bulldogs in attack as he used brute strength, brushing off defenders, on his way to the line for their second.
A converted try to Jimmy Montgomery got Cowra on the board after a strong attacking phase, but a yellow card to prop Chris Myers gifted Bathurst three points to go into the break with a comfortable lead, 22-7.
The half-time talk appeared to have worked for Cowra as they got things back on track immediately with a try to Number 8 Klaas Jan Hoogland.
Cowra continued to dominate possession in the second period and a beautifully executed cross field kick from fly half Jack Parsons handed winger Bill Cummins five points.
However, not long after the restart, Cowra’s momentum was shut down when Brodie Scott ran 70 metres down the left hand touch line to cross for his second. Bathurst held on to victory despite a spirited effort from the Eagles.
“We have to win three of our last four games now. The competition is very tight, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” the Cowra skipper said.
Bathurst’s co-coach Scott Johnston was pleased with his Bathurst outfit, particularly given the fact they were away from home.
“It’s only our second win on the road this year, so it’s terrific to come away with maximum points,” Johnston said.
BATHURST BULLDOGS 27 defeated COWRA 21
