The first grade went down 28-26 after losing key players, while the league-tag Hot Doggies suffered a 30-14 loss to the Bombala High Heelers. 

However, the reserve grade Bullants put on a big show with a resounding 34-0 win. 

In the first grade fixture, the Bulldogs were in complete control of first grade 20-6 at the break, but lost both Blake Schafer and Dylan Fletcher to injuries. 

“Unfortunately we were beaten on the injury count,” club president Laurie Delle Vergin said. 

“We lost our half-back and our fullback and then in the second half we had no bench.”

He said it was a credit to the team they were able to score in the second half and looked like holding the Blue Heelers at bay, but Bombala lifted to temp to win by a two-point buffer 28-26. 

Delle Vergin said it was still a strong showing from the Bulldogs, especially the inclusion of junior Kyle Shepherdson, who planted three tries in the opening half. 

“It was a brilliant display from Kyle, to step in to that team and understand how they played, but his step and his speed just floored the Bombala defence.”

Delle Vergin said he wanted to take nothing away from the strong attacking presence of the Blue Heelers – “their attacking game was a credit to them”.

Earlier, the Bullants had stolen the show with a great result under captain-coach Lee Johnson, running out 34-0 winners. 

Delle Vergin said the side was short a few regulars, but was bolstered by under 18s backing up to some of their first senior play. 

“Some of the 18s made their debut in the seniors and did a magnificent job,” he said. 

Nathan Moon, Jack McGuire and Trent and Ryan Casey all stepped in for the Bullants and helping run the ball hard. 

It was Ian Smith out of the centres showing great form to score a double, while Todd Bolton proved accurate with his kicking game and ran in a try of his own. 

In the league-tag contest, officials praised Tamika Millard as one of the best on the park, but the Hot Doggies couldn’t contain the High Heelers. 

“They were going neck and neck, but Bombala just pulled away at the end,” Delle Vergin said. 

“Bombala is a very experienced quality side, but our girls were disappointed to not do better on the back of their great recent form.”

The Bulldogs host Cooma at the Pambula Sporting Complex this Saturday with games from 2pm.