The Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs have secured an opening round win over the Bay Tigers at McKay Park on Saturday.
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The Doggies were able to run away with a solid 32-20 win over their northern opponents after a rousing first-half performance before the Bay Tigers battled their way back into contention in the back half of play.
Both playing coach Daniel Cronk and Rhys Schafer were sidelined following head knocks.
The club also unveiled a deadly halves combination in Corey Schafer and Aiden Aitken who led the charge for the club with two tries apiece.
The other two four pointers went to powerful forward Grant Moon and utility Bryce Christie coming off the bench.
The Bay had to count on their outside plays with both wingers scoring a try, while other points had come from
The win is a promising start for the club following extended uncertainty after last year's Group 16 season had to be suspended.
While the club boasts some exceptional forwards, the Bulldogs have traditionally not been among the big packs and the club will again have to look to their turn of speed and polished play-making abilities ahead of this weekend when they face the Snowy River Bears.
The Bulldogs' clever fringe plays will have to come to the fore once again as the Bulldogs prepare to stare down one of the competition's biggest and brutish forward line-ups in the Bears.
The Bulldogs will be on the road again for round two with their clash set to go ahead at Jindabyne ground on Kosciuszko Road. First grade at 2.30pm.