The Bulldogs held a narrow 8-6 lead at half-time on their home turf at 'the Dogpound' before the Sea Eagles ran rampant in the second half to win 42-8.

The home team had been left short handed and in a dangerous position at the back after fullback Rhys Schafer was knocked out midway through the first half.

However, the home club had earlier found the first points on the fringe and backed up with another try later coming again on the edge.

The Dogs had chosen to run into a stiff southerly breeze and kicking became a challenge with the first conversion attempt ringing off the post, while the second faded wide.

The tries had been scored by captain-coach Jake McDonald and hooker Trent Casey in a strong first half display.

Unfortunately, the Bulldogs found few chances at the try line with both their attacking edges well-guarded by the visitors.

Strike options Luke Rixon and Brock Seabrook well covered by the Eagles to keep the Bulldogs scoreless in the second half.

However, the visitors let loose in the second half to overwhelm the Bulldogs' defence.

"Our first grade boys turned it on in the second half to run out winners over a tough Bulldogs outfit," Tathra officials shared on social media.

The charge was led by visiting number nine Hayden Parbery, who made some trademark scoots out of dummy half to score a hat-trick in the second half.

Strong forward runner Connor Carr also landed a pair of tries during the game aiding in Tathra's win.

The Bulldogs now find themselves in a shared three-way race for fourth place, while Tathra and Bombala sit just one competition point ahead.

This weekend will provide another decisive opportunity with the Bulldogs to meet the Eden Tigers at Eden's George Brown Memorial Oval.

In the final round the Bulldogs will be on the road again to face the Bay Tigers at McKay Park.

While the Tigers are out of contention, they're still a danger club who carded an upset win over the Roosters and could hinder the Bulldogs' run to the finish.

Earlier the Sea Eagles had a similar second-half surge to defeat the Candelo-Bemboka Panthers in the reserve grade contest.

The Eagles were trailing at the break, but began to dominate possession in the second half, running in a series of tries on the right edge to record the win.

The Tathra league-tag outfit, the She Eagles also won their first encounter of the year to a raucous applause from visiting fans.

The She Eagles downed the Candelo-Bemboka Pink Panthers 18-12.