Match Details
Match Date	24th Apr, 2005
Opponent	Newcastle
Result	Win 24-20
Coach	Steven Folkes
Captain	Andrew Ryan
Venue	Newcastle (EnergyAustralia Stadium)
Crowd	18,387
Referee	Steve Lyons

The Bulldogs have survived a late charge from the Newcastle Knights to hold on for a 24-20 away win in their round seven National Rugby League match.

The victory, only the Bulldogs' second for the season, looked to be assured midway through the second half with the reigning premiers leading 24-8.

But the Knights, buoyed on by a parochial home crowd, stormed back to fall just short of what would have been their first win of the season.

For the Bulldogs, Luke Patten scored two tries while Hazem El Masri and Brad Morrin also crossed for four-pointers.

El Masri was on target with the boot, kicking four conversions from as many attempts.

His fourth goal was his 500th of his career since making his first grade debut in 1996.

Trent Salkeld (2) and Adam Woolnough scored for Newcastle and Kurt Gidley added two conversions and two penalty goals.

Tony Grimaldi turned in another workman-like performance for the Bulldogs with a staggering 49 tackles, while Gidley did his share of defensive work for Newcastle with 35 of his own.

The Knights started in a positive manner with Salkeld's first try and Gidley's opening penalty goal posted after eight minutes of play.

The Bulldogs equalised when El Masri converted his own try 10 minutes later but Gidley's second penalty goal pushed Newcastle back into the lead, albeit a narrow one, 8-6.

It looked likely the Knights would lead into half-time, but a late try to Morrin and El Masri's second conversion, gave the Bulldogs a 12-8 advantage at the break.

The visitors moved further in front early in the second half when Patten registered his double and with El Masri's final two conversions, the Bulldogs looked set for an easy victory as they led 24-8 with 20 minutes to play.

Salkeld's second four-pointer, converted by Gidley, gave the home side a glimmer of hope and when Woolnough scored a converted try in the 67th minute, the Knights were within striking distance.

With the momentum very much in its favour, they continued to mount pressure on the Bulldogs defence, but as the match reached full-time they were unable to break through.

Source: www.abc.net.au

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