Match Details
Match Date	11th Apr, 2003
Opponent	Newcastle
Result	Loss 6-12
Coach	Steven Folkes
Captain	Steve Price
Venue	Newcastle (EnergyAustralia Stadium)
Crowd	22,212
Referee	Bill Harrigan

In a low scoring encounter, Newcastle have put forward their claim that they are a genuine contender for the 2003 Telstra Premiership, defeating the visiting Bulldogs 12-6 in front of a large crowd at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The Broadmeadow venue last year saw the two sides battle it out in an epic encounter, and this year continued that trend, and whilst not as many points were scored, it was cut throat all the way.

Canterbury start the match as the aggressors, putting the pressure on the Knights for most of the opening quarter, before fullback Robbie O'Davis found a gap between the Blue and White defence, dummying before shrugging off an attempted tackle by Sherwin to score out wide in the 19th minute.

The Bulldogs had multiple opportunities to hit back, but handling errors saw the tries go begging, before a break from captain Steve Price saw the basis set for substitute player, Adam Perry, to throw a long ball to unmarked Kiwi, Willie Talau, who dived to score. El Masri converted the kick and the Bulldogs took the lead for the first time in the match up 6-4.

Newcastle's reply was swift and it was no surprise to see Johns find the form that Gould claimed he didn't have recent to fire out a perfect cut out ball to Tahu who dived in the corner. Johns then converted the difficult kick to give the home side a 10-6 lead at the break.

Only two points were scored in the second half, with a penalty goal to Johns giving them the victory.

Its been a long time between drinks that Rugby League has seen so many low scoring, yet tough and epic encounters in a season. The re-emergence of defence, as well as the mixture of attack in the 2003 Telstra Premiership is a welcomed breathe of fresh air for League, and will go a long way to seeing the crowds of the early 90's return.

Source: www.rleague.com

LINE UP