Got thumped with plenty of injuries.
The Bulldogs NSW Cup team have lost their second round encounter 40-18 against the Central Newcastle Knights at EnergyAustralia Stadium this afternoon.
The Bulldogs were out on their feet for most of the match with injuries to Jamie Clark (ribs) and Reece Blayney (wrist). Aaron Groom left the field early in the first half with a cork before returning to help the tired pack in the final forty.
It wasn't too long before the game became out of reach for the Bulldogs as the Knights piled on the points in the opening half, going into the sheds up 30-6.
The Bulldogs were already weakened prior to kick-off with fullback Brent Crisp forced to sit out the encounter with a wrist problem. Crisp sustained the injury during last week's 40-20 win over the Wolves and is likely to be sidelined for two weeks.
Despite being down by 24 points and light on interchange options, the determined Bulldogs showed plenty of courage as they won the second half 12-10 courtesy of tries to Chris Vaefaga and Lorenzo Ma'afu. However the damage was done as the strong Newcastle pack ran away 40-18 winners.
The Knights fielded an experienced outfit and it showed through the likes of Luke Walsh, Marvin Karawana, Chris Bailey, Matt White and Cameron Ciraldo.
Blayney will have scans on what is believed to be a fractured wrist before the Bulldogs kit up and face Wentworthville next week at The Crest Stadium on Saturday.
Tries: 3
Dean Vicelich, Chris Vaefaga, Lorenzo Ma'afu
Goals: 3
Daryl Millard (3)
