Wests v Sunshine Coast Sylvan Road 3:00pm - 1/5/2010
31	Round 04	29

In a nail biting finish to a physically demanding game, the West Brisbane Bulldogs beat the Sunshine Coast Stingrays 31-29 to claim their first win of the season and knock the visitors off top spot on the competition ladder.

With the first 10 minutes riddled with errors and turnovers, it seemed neither team could get a grip on the ball, until Bulldogs prop Lester Tapelu crossed for the opening try of the game, giving Wests a 7-0 lead.

However the Stingrays picked up the intensity and went to the break leading 19-7.

Bulldogs coach Rob Murdoch must have worked some magic during the halftime speech, as his side came out a completely different team, posting two tries within the first 10 minutes to pull ahead 21-19.

The Stingrays fought back and led the 2009 wooden spooners 29-28 with less than a minute to go.

There was jubilation for the long-suffering Sylvan Rd faithful when Wests fullback Ian Aokuso nailed the game winning penalty from in front right at the death, clinching the win for the Dogs.

Sunshine Coast coach Glen Panoho said his team could have snatched a victory, but gave full credit to Wests for their enthusiasm.

“In crucial times we had the opportunity to close the game out and we didn’t, and full credit to them,” he said.

Bulldogs coach Rob Murdoch was ecstatic with how his team performed, especially how they came out firing after last week conceding 12 quick points.

“We talked about that, and we’ve worked on that, so it was really gratifying to see us first on the board.”

When asked what he said at halftime, he responded modestly.

“We told them that it was well within our grasp, we talked about eliminating 50/50s, and we talked about where our attack points should be.”

After such a welcome win, the Bulldogs will be looking to repeat next week as they tackle defending Premier and currently last placed Brothers away from home.

Wests 31 (L Tapelu ,J Hoyland, W Imo, A Cottrell tries, I Aokuso pen 4 cons) d Sunshine Coast 29 (T Anderson ,D Wicks, M Blain, L Fesolai, T Bird tries, M Stone 2 cons)

Match report by Jacob Shields