The WA Reds have defeated the Central Bulldogs 38 to 20 in front of around 200 spectators at a windy Ken Allen Field on Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs, who fielded a handful of WA Reds Squad members in their line up started strong using their size advantage to punch holes in the young Reds defence. The Reds however showed plenty of courage and were rewarded by being first to score at the 11 minute mark, through a nicely waited Adam Quinlen kick that sat up in the strong breeze for Nick Laurie to dive on and score for the first points of the day.

From that point on the Bulldogs had the majority of possession and were testing the Reds goal line defence. Two opportunities were wasted by the Bulldogs with poor final passes being called forward by referee Brad Barbuto. The Reds could not hold on forever as big Adam Shipway barged over at the 30 minute mark to score the Bulldogs first try which was converted.

With the strong breeze at their back the Bulldogs continued to have the weight of possession testing the Reds once again. Strong defence from Reds front rowers Adam Fry and Aarona “G” Nicholls rallied the Reds and they look set to go to the half time break only trailing by two points. This was not going to be the case as Reds squad member Jessie Prassard showed good footwork to step though the Reds defence and score for the Bulldogs. Halftime score saw the Bulldogs leading the Reds 10 – 4.

Plenty of changes were made to the Reds side at the half time break to give each player every opportunity to impress the Reds coaching staff. First points were scored in the second half by the Bulldogs, Arlin Paki was able to get a hand free in a tackle to offload to the flying Bulldogs hooker who showed good evasion to elude Reds fullback Sunny Lal scoring under the posts.

In the next set the Reds would be next to score after the Bulldogs fumbled the kick off. From the scrum the Reds put together a set move were winger Jarrod Young found himself in space and stepped inside the opposition fullback to score out wide. The Reds were then on a roll scoring the next two tries through Greg Ranga and Hemi Kani.

Wiremu Paki struck back for the Bulldogs to put them back in the game, reaching out to score after a strong run in broken play to take his side within eight points in the 74th minute. The Reds through Jessie Prassard, who switched sides at half time, once again showed nice footwork to score a 20 metre try. The match was put beyond doubt with Jarrod Young racing 50 metres after standing up a tired Bulldogs forward to seal the win.

Many thanks to Andrew Crellin and the Fremantle Rugby League Club for their organisation on the day and the use of Ken Allen Field.

WA Reds 38 - 8 tries & 3 conversions
Central Bulldogs 20 - 4 tries & 2 conversions