All home games will be played at
St. Peter's Recreation Ground
with 2.30pm kick-offs

Click on the result to see the match report, team details and players' man of the match

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Friendly -
Sunday 23rd April, KO 2.00pm

South London Storm (H)

L 0 - 68

Saturday 6th May, KO 2.30pm

Kent Ravens (A)

W 24 - 10

Saturday 13th May, KO 2.30pm

St Albans Centurions (A)

W 60 - 16

Saturday 20th May, KO 2.30pm

Hemel Stags (A)

L 22 - 24

Saturday 27th May, KO 2.30pm

Haringey Hornets (H)

W 24 - 0

Saturday 3rd June, KO 2.30pm

Greenwich Admirals (A)

W 44 - 28

Saturday 10th June, KO 1.00pm

Kent Ravens (H)

W 58 - 22

Saturday 17th June, KO 2.30pm

St Albans Centurions (H)

W 34 - 0

Saturday 24th June, KO 2.30pm

Hemel Stags (H)

W 42 - 6

Saturday 1st July, KO 2.30pm

Haringey Hornets (H)

W 24 - 0

Saturday 8th July, KO 1.00pm

Greenwich Admirals (H)

W 38 - 12

Saturday 15th July

REST WEEK

N/A

Saturday 22nd July, KO 2.30pm

Royal Navy (H)

W 6 - 60

Saturday 29th July

REST WEEK

N/A

Saturday 5th Aug, KO 2.30pm

GRAND FINAL vs Greenwich Admirals

W 28 - 22

Saturday 27th August from 11am

MX9s Tournament (A)

-

All home games will be played at St. Peter's Recreation Ground with 2.30pm kick-offs

Broadstairs Bulldogs 0 South London Storm 68
     - Saturday 22nd April 2006

Match report courtesy of South London Storm - Storm finished their pre season off in style this weekend with a good all round display in their victory against Broadstairs Bulldogs writes Richard Pitchfork.

Broadstairs won the London League last year and gained promotion to the Rugby League Conference Regional division just below Storm's first team. In only their second year in existence Broadstairs are looking for a good strong showing in the league this year and on the performance on Sunday that is something they should be able to achieve.

Storm started strongly with 9 new players this season in the squad including 7 debutants. The long hard cold and wet, Stormy nights of pre season training seemed to pay off in the first 20 minutes with Storm looking more of a unit than they have looked previously. Defensively strong and showing glimpses of what they have done in the past. With big hits coming from new boys Todd Brandon and Alan Emerson early on showing that Storm were not taking the game or opposition lightly.

The second 20 was not as cohesive to start but with a number of changes on 20 minutes this was only to be expected. But with good control from Peter Ostick on debut things started to change. As the game moved forward the new and old players began to gel and get to know each other with the likes of Keith Malone who was playing his first ever game getting more and more involved and making yards and Dave Walters making an instant impact on his debut with a try from almost nothing with his first touch and lightning pace.

Into the second half and Storm started to pick up some walking wounded who were rested before the big start next week. Debutants were given long stretches on the pitch to get used to the way Storm play and the moves and this started to show as Andy Cullen completed his two try haul on debut.

Into the last 20 minutes Will Sharp finished his second of the match to round off a great man of the match performance also on debut after a thunderous run from hat trik hero Dave Sia and the great footwork, ducking and diving of Ajay Layton in only his second match for the club.

The game finished at 68-0 to Storm but they were made to work for it from a new and improving Broadstairs side. - back to results

Team: to follow
Scorers: to follow
Man of the Match: to follow

Kent Ravens 10 Broadstairs Bulldogs 24
     - Saturday 6th May 2006

Tom Longdon made an excellent start to the new Rugby league season with a Man of the Match performance.

Broadstairs start the 2006 season in the Rugby League Conference South East Division. After winning the London League in their first season they now play on the National stage. The season started with a trip into London to meet the Kent Ravens. The squad looked quite different than last year after losing club captain Ben Bryant and a number of other top performers, but the new faces did well and closed out a difficult game.

The rain soaked day did not help a scrappy game which the referee made even worse with the constant stoppages in play, only in the first minute players were stood around whilst the Kent Physio treated their player in the middle of the pitch. This constantly stopped Broadstairs attacks and allowed the Kent defence to reset time and time again.

Aside from that Kent did come out strong and started with a good few sets of tackles. After finishing the Thanet Wanderers season on the Friday night at the club supper the Broadstairs players needed this wake up. The pressure did not tell and the Bulldogs made ground with strong running from Tim McLaughlin and John Bell. The Bulldogs biggest let down was the constant indiscipline, giving away an astonishing amount of penalties. The Ravens had the first opportunity for points with a penalty in front of the posts, unfortunately their complacent kicker strolled up as if it had already gone over and sliced it past the posts.

Broadstairs then took over and the sheer power of the forwards destroyed a resilient Kent side. Tries from Andrew Letts, John Bell, Tim McLaughlin were the result of powerful running especially from ex Bronco Will Hardgrave. Tom Longdon providing the distribution and an excellent kicking game converting all of the Bulldogs tries. Kent did get one reply in the first half, but again their kicker let them down.

Broadstairs also showed their flair with great inter passing and running angles. This was opitimised by the Bulldogs fourth and final try. A good crash in the centre and quick play allowed John Bell to release Mitch Halpin, also making his debut, to beat one man and pass to winger Mark Cooper who beat three players for pace before stepping inside the full back and scoring under the posts.

The second half was poor by Broadstairs standards. The referee was killing any life the game had in a rain soaked London suburb. Kent scored again after a missed tackle in the middle which made the score 24-10 with a successful conversion. Broadstairs seemed to have a different set of rules as the referee continually seemed to take a biased view against the visitors. The Bulldogs did hang on and take a maiden victory in the RLC.

Next week is another away trip to St Albans whose first team play in National League 3. This will be an important game as Broadstairs look to continue their great start to the game of Rugby League - back to results

Team: to follow
Scorers: to follow
Man of the Match: Tom Longdon

St. Albans Centurions 16 Broadstairs Bulldogs 60
     - Saturday 13th May 2006

The long journey to Hertfordshire could not deter the in-form Broadstairs Bulldogs as they came away from St. Albans Centurions with a thumping 60-16 victory. With 11 tries and 8 goals from the golden boot of Tom Longdon, the Bulldogs strengthened their grip on the Conference South.

Bulldogs blend of power and pace, youth and experience were too much from the first whistle and although Centurions were physically a bigger side, Bulldogs direct running forwards lead by Kris Finneran and Royce Cadman were giving them problems, Andy Letts scoring the first try within the first 10 minutes before Cadman quickly added a second.

Centurions were shell-shocked but any effort to breach the Bulldogs' defence was rebuffed as tackles came flying in all across the park. Ball was being spilled on contact by St Albans and the turnover was being used to best effect by half-backs Longdon and Lee Halliday on debut, whose sniping runs were a danger all afternoon.

Centurions had no answer to the Bulldogs' tactics of committing the big men before putting the ball wide and three more tries followed in quick succession from captain Mike Simmonds and two from Longdon. Cadman added his second before Richard Smith got on the scoresheet and Longdon added his 5th goal for a healthy half time lead of 38-6.

Bulldogs' only blip being a lack of concentration on their goal-line resulting in a converted Centurions try. And that try gave Centurions belief and with their heads-up ran harder and harder at the Bulldogs' resulting in two soft tries which brought them right back into it at 38-16.

Captain Simmonds called for calm and got the Bulldogs playing the controlled and stylish rugby league for which they are now becoming famous across South-East England. The forwards continued to smash up the middle and St. Albans had no answer to the pace and power in the backs where Ian Lodge was beginning to make holes with some blustering runs before releasing the fast men. Richard Smith added another before completing his hat-trick with an 80-yard effort.

Man-of-the-match Kris Finneran added another from close range and the scoring was completed by winger, John Cox before Longdon added the extras for personal haul of 24 points.

Bulldogs have their third consecutive away trip next week when the travel back to Hertfordshire to take on Hemel Stags in another tough encounter before their first home game of the season at St. Peter's against Haringey Hornets on 27th May - back to results

Team: Smith; Mason, Beard, Simmonds, Cox; Longdon, Halliday; Winsom, Finneran, White, Letts, Bartolo, Cadman; Lodge
Scorers: Smith 3, Simmonds, Cox, Longdon 2 + 8G, Finneran, Letts, Cadman 2.
Men of the Match: Tom Longdon, Kris Finneran

Hemel Stags 24 Broadstairs Bulldogs 22
     - Saturday 20th May 2006

The Bulldogs great start to the season should have continued but missed kicks cost Bulldogs their unbeaten record on Saturday.

The Bulldogs travelled up to Hemel Stags for their third away game in three weeks. Brandishing the new team kit sponsored by Tesco Extra, the game started well as the power game that have served the team immediately broke the Hemel defence and a try was soon awarded when James Green went over.

With the two time man of the match Tom Longdon missing through injury, kicking duties went to Pieter Slabbert. His first kicked sliced to the left of the posts.

After the success in recent weeks the Bulldogs seemed to think the match was already won and some sloppy defensive lines and a lack lustre attack allowed the Stags to build up confidence. With very quick sets of six they kicked well into the Bulldogs 20 and pressurised the Bulldogs full back Stewart Box. This soon resulted in their first try and the Bulldogs seemed to have no answer. A second was added quickly after.

Great running from Tim McLaughlin and Will Hardgrave allowed the Bulldogs to regain some of the possession and the dominance of the game and when the Stags did have the ball the pressure got the better of them and as the stand off tried to thread a kick behind the Bulldogs the ball went straight into the basket of Pieter Slabbert who ran 60 metres to score the Bulldogs second try.

This was the opportunity to close out the game, and soon the Bulldogs were deep in the Stags territory. The Bulldogs had found their feet now and were moving the ball well and returning to the direct game when appropriate which let Pieter Slabbert sneak in from close range for a second try.

With the half time whistle soon approaching the Bulldogs were still in the ascendancy, and a mistake by Stags gave the bulldogs a scrum deep in the Stags half. Two great crash balls from the forwards allowed Lee Halliday to find Michael Simmonds who after one step threaded a chip through the Stags defence for young Stewart Box to dive over and score. Half Time score 10 - 16.

The second half will soon want to be forgotten by many of the Bulldog players. Although scoring more tries the missed kicks were to prove the undoing of the travelling team. The Bulldogs made mistake after mistake in the second half because they were trying to force the game, making offloads in silly places led to the Stags next try.

Michael Simmonds received the ball from half back Pieter Slabbert and made a good 15 metres with his run, but instead of taking the tackle and consolidating our advance position on the pitch he off loaded poorly and the Stags full back intercepted the short pass and ran in the Stags third try. 16 - 16.

This lifted the Stags immensely and shortly after a high up and under on the Stags last tackle of the set let them score under the posts when full back Stewart box could not hold the ball. The conversion gave Stags a 22-16 lead.

The Bulldogs still seemed lost without the control of Tom Longdon and a penalty half way through the second half gave the Stags a 24-16 lead. The game had drifted from the Bulldogs and tired legs didn't show any route back.

There is a reason though Broadstairs are top of their league and the senior players stepped up to the mark. The game was simplified and Broadstairs went back to the direct rugby which destroyed the St Albans outfit a week later.

As time ticked on the Bulldogs were camped in the Stags half and forcing mistakes whenever possession was with the home side. A sweeping move allowed Andy Letts to throw a massive dummy and score to the left of the posts.

After all kicks had been previously missed, young Stewart Box stepped up and struck the ball excellently to bring Bulldogs within two points. The decision not to give Stewart the kicking duties all game could be one reason the Bulldogs were chasing the game.

With only a few minutes left the Bulldogs had a penalty around 35 metres out from the posts. It was within kicking range of Box and a successful kick would have levelled the score. Although there were frantic shouts from the coach Phil Sykes to kick the penalty, captain Michael Simmonds made the decision that the Bulldogs were here to win and kicked to touch.

With just ten metres to the Stags line a good crash from the forwards was required, unfortunately a lack of communication meant a knock on after just two tackles and when the Bulldogs regained possession they only had one tackle before the final whistle. Final Score 24-22.

This was a missed opportunity for the Bulldogs and the attentions now turn to Haringay Hornets who travel down for the first home game of the season.

The Bulldogs are keen to get everyone down to support and look to get back to winning ways. The Bulldogs are aiming for the National Playoffs and your support can push them forward. See www.broadbiz.co.uk/bulldogs for all the latest fixtures and reports. - back to results

Team:Smith; Box, Simmonds, Plewa, Cooper; Slabbert, Halliday; Letts, McLaughlin, Cadman, Hardgrave, Finneran, Green; Cox, McDonald, Sykes, May
Scorers: Green, Slabbert 2, Box + 1G, Letts
Man of the Match: to follow

Broadstairs Bulldogs 24 Haringey Hornets 0
     - Saturday 27th May 2006

The Bulldogs won this game by default (24-0) after Haringey called on Friday afternoon to say they could not field a side to come to Broadstairs. - back to results

Greenwich Admirals 28 Broadstairs Bulldogs 44
     - Saturday 3rd June 2006

Bulldogs were made to work hard by Greenwch Admirals for this 44-28 victory in the searing heat of Woolwich Barracks.

In preparation for next week's top-of-the-table home clash with Kent Ravens, Broadstairs Bulldogs overcame a strong Greenwich side but were made to work for it all the way.

The journey and the searing heat had taken its toll on Phil Sykes' side. Sykes had to make some important tactical last minute changes to both his pack and backline and Admirals took full advantage when Bevan Jones dived over wide out in 1st minute of the game.

Bulldogs knew they were a better side than this and needed to shore up their defence or risk taking a drubbing. Step forward Joe Winsom whose devastating tackling inspired the Bulldogs gaining some much needed possession.

It was not long before Bulldogs had capitalised on this possession through tries from dummy-half Pieter Slabbert and 2nd row Mike Simmonds. Both tries were converted by the sweet right boot of teenage wing sensation, Stuart Box.

Right from the kick-off, another set of intense defense including a massive hit from John Cox dislodged the ball and captain Ian Lodge was on hand to scoop up the loose ball and bulldoze over from 10 yards out, once again converted by Box for an 18-6 lead.

Greenwich had no answer to the pace and power blend of the Bulldogs and Man-of-the-Match stand-off, John Bell soon added to the scoreline with a powerful run and dummy before Yan N'Dong got on the scoresheet shortly before half time and a seemingly unassailable lead of 28-6.

Greenwich knew they had to strike early if they were going to keep the scoreline down, but damage limitation soon turned to hope and almost expectation. Two quick tries from Stabler and Brooks and a conversion from captain Bene Medhurst made the score 28-16.

Bulldogs were desperately trying to get possession of the ball but were finding it more and more difficult and the constant defending was taking its toll. The glorious sunshine is what the British summer has been waiting for but it turns rugby league into an energy sapping activity. Greenwich kept attacking and another 2 converted tries, both from Hardy levelled the score at 28-28.

Bulldogs captain Ian Lodge asked for better discipline as the penalties both going forward and in defence were losing the game. With this in mind, Bulldogs started to display the defence that had got them such a lead in the first half and after some controlled defence matched by simple disciplined attack, N'Dong went over for his second to restore a 4 point Bulldog lead.

The Admirals were ultimtely defeated at this point and their heads visibly dropped. Bulldogs continued the disciplined rugby league and a try from full-back Richard Smith broke Admiral hearts before N'Dong completed his hat-trick with a mazy 40 yard run. Both were converted by Box for a personal tally of 12 points and a final scoreline of 44-28.

Coach Phil Sykes said after the match, "It was a game we should always have won but could easily have lost. Full credit needs to go to the players who stuck to the task right the way through and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Next week's game against Kent Ravens will be a big test for us, but I have faith that the side will step to the mark and do the business."

Having now completed all their away games, Bulldogs now have 5 home games over the next 5 Saturdays at St. Peter's Rec, Broadstairs. The first of which kicks off at 1pm on Saturday when Kent Ravens RLFC are the first to visit. All spectators are welcome to attend and entrance is free to all. - back to results

Team: Smith; N'Dong, Lodge (Capt.), Beard, Box; Bell, Slabbert; Winsom, Syred, Green, Letts, Simmonds, Cleary; Cadman, Marks, Easter, Cox.
Scorers: Slabbert, Simmonds, Lodge, N'Dong 3, Smith, Box 6G
Man of the Match: John Bell

Broadstairs Bulldogs 58 Kent Ravens 22
     - Saturday 10th June 2006

Broadstairs Bulldogs went clear of Kent Ravens at the top of the Rugby League Conference South table after this 58-22 win in which Yan N'Dong gained his 2nd consecutive hat-trick with Tom Longdon giving his third man-of-the-match performance of the season.

Bulldogs came flying out of the traps, had Ravens firmly on the back foot and within 15 minutes had accumulated an 18-0 lead with tries from Longdon, N'Dong and Lee Halliday.

Constant pressure going forward and a big hitting defence was taking its toll and once Ravens' influential stand-off Richard Whelan was heading for the treatment room, Ravens began to lose their shape, their wings being firmly clipped when N'Dong got his second score after good work from Dan Clement.

Winger Stuart Box scored in the right corner having spilled one in the left corner minutes before and South African Pieter Slabbert scored under the posts which along with 4 Longdon goals gave the Bulldogs a seemingly unassailable and emphatic 32-0 lead.

Coach Phil Sykes took the squad back to the changing room to take the edge off the scorching heat and shortly after the restart, Halliday got his second and Longdon added the extras to extend the lead to 38-0.

Bulldogs customary complacency then took effect as they took the foot off the pedal and allowed the indisciplined rugby to creep back in for the second week. Ravens took advantage of this and John Brown started to run the show with some elusive running. Ravens soon added three tries by John Richardson, Constantine Hatzikidis and Richard Paddick, all converted by Tom Claridge to claw back some respectability at 38-18.

But Bulldogs soon regained their discipline and Longdon got his second before Richard Smith scored a long range effort and N'Dong completed his hat-trick.

Hatzikidis got his second for the Ravens before the scoring was completed by Slabbert whose converted try made the scoreline 58-22. Longdon added the extra for a personal haul of 22 points.

Coach Sykes was happy with the result but added, "There are a few things that need ironing out before next week's visit of St. Albans but you can't complain too much when you've just put 50 points on your closest rivals."

Bulldogs 2nd of 5 consecutive home games takes place next Saturday when St. Albans Centurions visit St. Peters Rec with a 2.30pm KO. Entry is free to all - back to results

Team: Box; N'Dong, Clement, Lodge, Smith; Longdon, Slabbert; Winsom, Halliday, Bell Finneran, Letts, Simmonds; Harvey, Cadman, Ebden, Syred
Scorers: Longdon 2 + 7G, Halliday 2, N'Dong 3, Box, Slabbert 2, Smith
Man of the Match: Tom Longdon

Broadstairs Bulldogs 34 St. Albans Centurions 0
     - Saturday 17th June 2006

Broadstairs Bulldogs stayed top of the RLC South after this 34-0 victory over St. Albans Centurions which was abandoned shortly before half time when a Centurion suffered a badly broken leg.

Bulldogs' captain, Ian Lodge opted to receive the kick-off in an attempt to gain possession and keep it. A fierce early set of six tackles kept the ball firmly in Centurions half and after the ball was turned over, equally fierce defence soon regained the ball. Soon after, winger Mark Cooper scored in the corner after some great open running from stand-off, John Bell.

Shortly after the restart, an interception from Lodge playing in the centre saw him trundle 40 yards to score in the opposite corner after handing off the covering defence.

Longdon missed both conversions but was not deterred and again after the kick-off was beginning to pull the Bulldogs strings and was launching big forwards. Kris Finneran soon scoring after a powerful run after which Longdon added the points for a 14-0 lead.

Centurions just could get no respite as huge tackles were flying in all across the park and Bulldogs soon regained possession and great quick hands from Bell, Lodge and Longdon sent centre John Cox over for a 20-0 lead.

Cooper added his second try in the same corner before Bell linked up with back-rower Tim McLaughlin who stormed over from 20 yards out.

The scoring was completed by Cox after an outrageous dummy by Longdon shortly and shortly afterwards the referee ended the game due to the Centurion's injury.

Despite the abandonment, the result will stand leaving Bulldogs with a 4-point lead and 3 home games left in the regular season.

Their campaign continues next week with their 3rd consecutive home game versus Hertfordshire's other side, the Hemel Stags. The game is once again at St. Peter's Rec kicking off at 2.30pm and entry is free to all - back to results

Team: Marks; Cooper, Cox, Lodge, Box; Bell Longdon; Finneran, Slabbert, Winsom; McLaughlin, Letts, Simmonds. Cadman.
Scorers: Cooper 2, Lodge, Finneran, Cox 2, McLaughlin. Longdon 3G
Man of the Match: Not Awarded

Broadstairs Bulldogs 42 Hemel Stags 6
     - Saturday 24th June 2006

Broadstairs Bulldogs all-but wrapped up the Rugby League Conference South title on Saturday with a convincing but hard fought 8-try win over 2nd placed Hemel Stags where the only thing hotter than the 30 degree heat was some of Bulldogs' scintillating rugby.

Bulldogs were forced to make changes to their team when 2nd row Mike Simmonds was called up to play for an Emerging England 13 against the Navy, so captain Ian Lodge went into the 2nd row and centre Stuart Plumridge made his 2006 Bulldogs debut.

Plumridge was involved from the start, Hemel had no answer to his powerful running and within 5 minutes he had brushed off the covering defence and scored his first points of the season. Tom Longdon missed the extra points but added the next 2 points after winger Mark Cooper scampered into the corner and Bulldogs lead 10-0 with less than 10 minutes played.

Plumridge's centre partner John Cox was also having a great day going forward and soon added to his impressive try tally with a 4-pointer. The forwards were making massive inroads into the organised Hemel defence, who had no answer to the impressive direct running of props James Green, Kris Finneran and Lodge. Running slightly wider of the ruck were Andy Letts and Tim McLaughlin who hit holes all day long and soon the lead was up to 18-0 after Plumridge got his second.

Bulldogs were beginning to stretch the Stags' defence and after the forwards had pulled the defence in, a wide ball to full back Gary Doody allowed him to saunter in under the post and Stuart Box to add the goal for a 24-0 lead.

It was almost half time when Hemel eventually got possession and to their credit they used that possession excellently. Despite big Bulldog hits, stand-off Gareth Swindells marshalled his troops well and after some strong running, Danny Stocks smashed his way over and Jack Moon added the extras. Half time 24-6.

This was a blow to Bulldogs and after the turnaround, Bulldogs once again knew they had to keep possession or risk allowing Hemel back into the game.

They had to make the next score theirs and they did so in spectacular fashion. After driving the defence left, John Bell who had come on shortly after half-time, spun the ball wide to winger Stuart Box who outpaced his opposite man. As the cover defence swept across, so did Mark Cooper from the left wing and a big shout and fast hands from Box sent Cooper scuttling in for his second.

The game was effectively over but Bulldogs kept the game going forward and after a break from Letts and a quick play of the ball, Longdon was open to touch down under the posts and add the conversion for a 36-6 lead. Soon after hooker Lee Halliday added to his season's tally and after Longdon added the extras, the final whistle blew.

The win meant that Bulldogs have almost sealed the title with 2 games left to play. If they were to lose those 2 games and either Hemel Stags or Greenwich Admirals win their remaining games by huge margins, then mathematically they could be caught. Top spot in the RLC South guarantees home advantage in the play-offs and the fact that no-one has ever beaten the Bulldogs at St. Peter's makes the future look good.

Home action continues next week at St. Peter's when Haringey Hornets visit and Bulldogs will be keen to wrap up the title and top-spot once and for all. Kick-off is at 2.30pm and the bar will be open for refreshments from 1pm - back to results

Team: Doody; Box, Plumridge, Cox, Cooper; Longdon, Slabbert; Green, Halliday, Finneran, Letts, Lodge, McLaughlin; Cadman, Bell, Mason.
Scorers: Plumridge 2, Cooper 2, Cox, Doody, Longdon + 4G, Halliday. Box 1G.
Man of the Match: Tom Longdon

Broadstairs Bulldogs 24 Haringey Hornets 0
     - Saturday 1st July 2006

Many of you will already have read in the Gazette that the game versus Haringey Hornets is / was CANCELLED. This is due to the London side not being able to raise a XIII.

Obviously this is disappointing for Bulldogs players, supporters and all but the great news to come out of this is that these 2 points now give us an unassailable lead at the top of the RLC South.

We are premiers and have guaranteed top-spot in the table. This takes us to a play-off game versus the 2nd placed side, either Kent Ravens or Hemel Stags at St. Peter's on Saturday 22nd July 2006, KO 2.30pm.

Don't forget before that we have our final regular season game against Greenwich Admirals next Saturday 8th July 2006 at St. Peter's, KO 1.00pm - back to results

We also have an additional game in the calendar on Saturday 29th July 2006 when Haringey Hornets WILL visit.

Broadstairs Bulldogs 38 Haringey Hornets 12
     - Saturday 8th July 2006

Broadstairs Bulldogs tidied up the Rugby League Conference South-East title with a convincing win over Greenwich Admirals at St. Peter’s on Saturday. Once again the opposition could not deal with the direct running of the Bulldogs as they now prepare for play-off action on Saturday 22nd July.

In the reverse fixture, Bulldogs had started poorly by conceding an early try and history repeated itself when the same player Bevan Jones dived over for a try in the first minute and a 4-0 lead.

Broadstairs got their game heads on and Tom Longdon’s boot put them firmly into Admirals territory and soon after Lee Halliday darted over for a try which was converted by Longdon. Admirals played some good rugby though and Bulldogs had some lengthy periods of defending to do before Halliday added his second half way through the half for a 12-0 lead.

Centre Stuart Plumridge ran directly all day long and Greenwich had little answer to his style and he crashed over for a try which Longdon converted and along with a Greenwich try, Bulldogs turned round with a 22-8 lead.

But Greenwich Admirals are a better side than their 4th place league position shows and some devastating back-row running soon had them shorten the lead with a well worked try. But Bulldogs are Conference Premiers for a reason and man-of-the-match Plumridge made it 4 tries in 2 games when he intercepted in midfield and raced 75 yards to score under the posts and a 28-12 lead.

After a break in play in which Kris Finneran was stretchered off, the game resumed and the game was finished off by Bulldogs with tries from Stuart Box and Andrew Letts.

Bulldogs now face the first round of the play-offs on Saturday 22nd July against 2nd placed Hemel Stags at St. Peter’s with a kick-off at 2.30pm. The winner will go directly to the RLC South-East Conference Final on 5th August. Success in those games will lead to national play-offs with the likely opponents being last year’s national champions, Gloucestershire Warriors - back to results

Team: Smith; Box, Lodge, Plumridge, McDonald; Bell, Longdon; Winsom, Halliday, Green, Letts, Finneran, Simmonds; Marks, Slabbert, Cadman.
Scorers: Halliday 2, Plumridge 2, Longdon + 5G, Box, Letts
Man of the Match: Stuart Plumridge

Broadstairs Bulldogs 6 Royal Navy 60
     - Saturday 22nd July 2006

Broadstairs Bulldogs suffered their first home defeat on Saturday by 60-6 to a very strong Royal Navy side in which Rob Marks scored their solitary try. But that experience can only make them stronger in their preparation for the Grand Final to be held at St. Peter's Rec on Saturday 5th August 2006 versus Greenwich Admirals who beat Kent Ravens in the semi-final on the same day.

The Bulldogs decided to take on the tough services opposition as they would have had a month lay-off prior to the Grand Final and therefore a game was absolutely vital. The Navy were a big fit team and ran at the Bulldogs all day but tremendous defence kept them at bay for long periods. In fact Bulldogs probably had more of the possession in the first half but critical handling errors at crucial moment cost them dear. It was only in the dying minutes that the Navy's 20-man squad really put the Bulldogs to task with 30 points scored in the last 15 minutes.

Captain Ian Lodge said, "Although this was by far the toughest challenge yet for the Bulldogs, we stood up to that challenge well and have all come out of the game better rugby league players than we went into the game. The scoreboard really doesn't reflect the dedication that the players displayed this week and we are proud of our display. If we had had the 20-man squad that the Royal Navy brought with them it would have been a very different result."

He continued, "In two weeks time, we have the biggest game of rugby league of our lives and if we can show the commitment in that game as we did today, then we can really put on a display for our many supporters up at St. Peter's Rec. Last year our victorious Grand Final took place in London and not many of our fans could get there. Now we have a chance to show the running rugby that we have become renowned for across southern England rugby league circles."

The Bulldogs had originally been planning to run a coach to that game as the Rugby League had decreed that it takes place on a neutral venue. But they have now ruled that the final will be played at the ground of the team with the best league record. As the Bulldogs finished top of the league table having lost only one match, Thanet will host it's first ever Grand Final at St. Peter's Rec on Saturday 5th August 2006 against Greenwich Admirals with a 2.30pm kick-off.

In the two meetings between the two sides this season, Bulldogs have come out on top by 42-28 at Woolwich Barracks and by 38-12 at St. Peter's two weeks ago. Both were hard fought battles and the Grand Final will be another. - back to results

Team: Smith; Box, Cox, Marks, Cooper; Bell, Halliday; Lodge (c), Byron, Winsom, Plewa, Cadman, Simmonds. N'Gaia.
Scorers: Marks, Box 1G
Man of the Match: Richard Smith

Broadstairs Bulldogs 28 Greenwich Admirals 22
     - Saturday 5th August 2006

Broadstairs Bulldogs successfully wrapped the Rugby League Conference South-East with a hard fought 28-22 victory over Greenwich Admirals at St. Peter's Rec.

The match was a tight affair from the first minute and after receiving the ball from the kick-off, Bulldogs drove into Admirals territory before a penalty was awarded. Bulldogs opted for the 2 points and Tom Longdon duly obliged by stroking the ball over from 30 yards.

Bulldogs were straight back in the Admirals half after direct running from the back row trio, Andy Letts, Mike Simmonds and captain Ian Lodge. Longdon kicked to the corner after another infringement and prop and man-of-the-match James Green charged over from 10 yards out. Longdon missed the extras and Bulldogs had a 6-0 lead.

That lead was doubled after 10 minutes when an almost exact replica try was scored as Green got his second, Longdon added the conversion and Broadstairs lead by 12.

Greenwich are a strong side though, much stronger than in the sides two previous meetings and they soon came back into the match with a try from Bene Medhurst who added the extras.

Bulldogs were beginning to struggle with the pace and power of the Greenwich back row and centres but some tremendous all round tackling, notably from Stuart Plumridge, prop Joe Winsom and substitute John Cox regained possession. Then after some good hands in the backs, substitute Royce Cadman crashed over for a try and a 18-6 lead.

Greenwich were not done and the running from captain Damien Booker was causing problems and after some great running lines, it was Booker who crashed over and reduced the half time score to 18-10.

Bulldogs captain Lodge called for some continuity in the second half and centres Plumridge and John Bell were beginning to release the back three of Mark Cooper, Richard Smith and Yan N'dong.

Hooker Pieter Slabbert was launching the forwards and having driven up to within a yard of the line, Slabbert dived over from the base of the ruck. Longdon once again added the extras for a 24-10.

But Broadstairs indiscretions were damaging their opportunities with repeated penalties being given away at the ruck and Greenwich were quick to capitalize on this with two quick tries to reduce the deficit to 24-20 with little over 10 minutes remaining.

Bulldogs were potentially seeing the season slipping away and they needed to gain some possession and keep it. Bulldogs were getting into the Admirals territory relatively easily but were coming away from the opposition 20 metre line with no points. After Longdon took the decision to tap and go, the ball was driven left and the defense was sucked in. Then quick hands from Plumridge and Simmonds allowed N’dong to score in the corner and seal the victory.

Bulldogs have now earned the right to be promoted to RLC Premier but for the moment, it’s back to rugby union with Thanet Wanderers RUFC. - back to results

Team: Marks; N'Dong, Plumridge, Bell, Smith; Longdon, Cooper; Green, Slabbert, Winsom, Simmonds, Lodge (c), Letts. Cadman, White, N'Gaia, Cox, Case, Box.
Scorers: Green 2, Cadman, Slabbert, N'Dong, Longdon 4G
Man of the Match: James Green