The Bulldogs played host to the restored Tathra Sea Eagles, but quickly asserted their presence in the game to run out a 50-14 scoreline under lights at the Pambula Sporting Complex. 

Sea Eagles president Peter Finucane said the scoreline didn’t do the game justice, saying  “It was a tougher game than what the results indicated”.

The Sea Eagles lost centre David Dixon to an early injury and the Bulldogs took advantage with Finucane saying the hosts “picked us apart out wide” with Luke Rixon running in a five-count on the fringe. 

However, Finucane said he was pleased with the endeavour of the whole team and commended the effort to get back into play. 

“It’s been a pretty disjointed preparation for us with a few ups and downs, but we’re back and we’re away,” he said. 

“We weren’t too disappointed with the result and there were good points too.

“Our forwards went pretty well and some of our young guys stood up well and had a dig.”

The club also heaped praise on the new Phoenixes league-tag outfit, who were thrilled to post a handful of tries against the experienced Eden contingent on Saturday afternoon. 

“They were really pleased with the result,” Finucane said. 

“The attack was quite good and the main thing to build on is a bit of defensive work so they can keep building.”

The first grade Bulldogs got the opening round bye, but will be looking to get on the park in round two. 

In opening round first grade fixtures, the Moruya Sharks were resurgent to keep the Bombala Blue Heelers to a draw, while the Cooma Stallions made no mistake in a win over the Narooma Devils. 

However, the biggest upset of round one competition has to be the Batemans Bay Tigers securing their first win in two-and-a-half years with a massive upset over the Bega Roosters. 

Batemans Bay turned their early run into points, as Deaves ducked in from dummy-half to open the scoring.

Deaves was involved again for the Tigers second try, as his clean line-break led to Adam McCann running away to score.

Bega prop Mitch Carter returned the favour off a Bay forward pass, crashing over to make the score 12-6. 

However, the Tigers kept up the pressure to win 32-18.

“It’s emotional for the town, it’s unbelievable. It’s like a grand final, and it’s only round one,” Tigers captain-coach Luke Farmer said.