Match Details
Match Date	3rd Mar, 2012
Opponent	Penrith
Result	Win 22-14
Coach	Des Hasler
Captain	Michael Ennis
Venue	Penrith Park (Centrebet Stadium)
Crowd	9,585
Referee	Jason Robinson Phil Haines

The Bulldogs have made the perfect start to their time under Des Hasler, running out 22-14 victors over the Panthers at Centrebet Stadium.

Late tries to Josh Morris and Bryson Goodwin got our boys over the line in wet and slippery conditions.

There was plenty of feeling on the pitch in the opening stages of the game. A big hit from Cameron Ciraldo forced an early mistake from Bulldog David Stagg, which sparked a scuffle between Josh Reynolds and Travis Burns.

Burns was in the thick of it, taking advantage of some poor handling from the visitors to score under the posts soon after. Gordon had an easy first kick for goal, and didn't disappoint, 6-0 after 11 minutes.

Penrith were on a roll, as Michael Jennings crossed next to the posts just five minutes later. A nice infield kick from halfback Luke Walsh and some good work from Jennings close to the line pushed the score out to 12-0.

It looked as though the Panthers were away again, with Gordon making a break. Morris was able to run the winger down, but the momentum was well and truly with the home side.

The Bulldogs fought their way back into the contest, and were rewarded for their efforts when Josh Reynolds scored, capitalising on a loose ball.

Penrith had one last chance late in the first half, but Lachlan Coote knocked on, leaving the score at 12-6 at the break.

It took just six minutes after half time for Ben Barba to scoot away and score. Beautiful work from James Graham created space for the live wire fullback, levelling the match at 12-all.

But poor discipline from the Bulldogs 10 minutes later allowed the Panthers to gain a crucial two points, with Walsh kicking his side ahead 14-12.

Frank Pritchard was placed on report in the 67th minute after laying a shoulder on Penrith winger Simmons. Pritchard thought he had scored after pouncing on the dropped ball, but was bought back due to the high shot.

There was no denying Morris however, as Pritchard attracted plenty of attention from the Penrith defenders to create space for his centre, swinging the score 18-14 in favour of the Bulldogs.

A 77th minute fumble from Coote allowed Goodwin to secure the win, with some good control close to the ground. Turner missed the final conversion, but it wouldn't have any impact on the final score.

Source: AAP

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