Hammer has Foxx on run but 'Dogs defence proves the difference
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A try saving tackle by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow had the fans on their feet but it was another Bulldogs second half defensive shut out that could have a greater impact on the finals hopes of both teams.
Tabuai-Fidow ran down Josh Addo-Carr after a foot race between two of the fastest players in the game, but the Dolphins remain outside the top eight while Canterbury are eying a top four spot.
After leading 16-10 at halftime, the Bulldogs didn't concede another point to triumph 30-10 - the second consecutive game that they have produced a second half shut out.
It is a feat Canterbury have produced seven times this season and they now boast the best defence in the NRL.
Burton puts Isaako over the sideline
Jacob Kiraz scored the opening try for the Bulldogs in the 11th minute after a long pass from halfback Toby Sexton and quick hands by Stephen Crichton to put the Lebanon international over in the corner.
Josh Addo-Carr looked set to extend Canterbury's lead when he sprinted 80 metres only to be run down just short of the tryline by fellow speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in a foot race that had the entire Salter Oval crowd on their feet.
The Foxx and The Hammer relive their footrace
Tabuai-Fidow's efforts were rewarded when winger Jamayne Isaako scored in the next set of tackles but Kiraz's second try put the Bulldogs ahead 12-4 in the 28th minute.
Addo-Carr finally got a try of his own in the 36th minute after picking up a loose ball and racing 60 metres to score, with Tabuai-Fidow up in the defensive line and unable to stop him.
However, an intercept try by former Canterbury centre Jake Averillo had Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett cracking jokes in the dressing room at halftime as his side edged to with a converted try of the Bulldogs.
Jake Averillo Try
A Matt Burton penalty goal gave Canterbury an eight-point buffer and the star five-eighth secured the win when he laid on tries for Bronson Xerri in the 67th minute and Connor Tracey two minutes later.
Match: Bulldogs v Dolphins
Round 24 -
home Team
Bulldogs
5th Position
away Team
Dolphins
9th Position
Venue: Salter Oval, Bundaberg
Match snapshot
'Kaufusi creased him!'
- Dolphins enforcer Felise Kaufusi was penalised three times in the first half and placed on report for a late tackle on Josh Curran.
- The Bulldogs have won 10 consecutive home games and nine of their last 11 matches anywhere they have played.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako became the first player to surpass 200 points for the season when he scored his side's first try in the 25th minute.
- Isaako's run of consecutive goals ended at 28 after he failed to convert his own try.
- Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima made his 200th NRL appearance.
- Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored six tries in his past six games.
Play of the game
The Foxx v The Hammer - Enjoy
What they said
Bulldogs: Round 24
Dolphins: Round 24
