Bulldogs outclass lacklustre Roosters

The Bulldogs have won their fourth match in a row with a dominant 25-0 win over a Roosters outfit desperate to keep in touch with the top eight.

The Bulldogs went into the match on the end of a hard fought victory over premiership heavy-weights St George Illawarra while the Roosters were full of confidence after they recorded their first victory since Round 11 with a win over the Sharks last week.

The Dogs opened the scoring in the seventh minute through a penalty goal to Hazem El Masri after the Roosters gave away back-to-back penalties inside their own half.

The Roosters then shot themselves in the foot after kicking the ball out on the full from the kick-off. The Bulldogs however let them off the hook after failing to find touch.

Before kick-off Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes decided to rest prop Mark O'Meley, giving Nate Myles a starting spot and a chance to put on a show for his future club. The decision forced several changes to the backline as Trent Cutler was brought into the side on the wing, Sonny Bill moved from the centres onto the interchange bench while centre Andrew Emelio moved out to the wing.

The reshuffle worked wonders as Emelio crossed for the opening try in the 11th minute after finding himself on the end of a well worked backline movement. El Masri was unsuccessful from out wide however the early penalty goal ensured a six-point lead.

The Bulldogs then continued to control the game as the Roosters continued to give away silly penalties. In the 16th minute the boys from Bondi conceded a penalty for tackling the player without the ball. El Masri stepped up to the plate to add the extras as the Bulldogs got out to an 8-0 lead.

Referee Jarred Maxwell was then forced to warn Roosters captain Craig Fitzgibbon about the constant infringements around the ruck. Moments later they were pulled up for stripping the ball however El Masri was unsuccessful with his penalty attempt at goal as the scores remained 10-0 with just over ten minutes remaining in the half.

The Bulldogs then had several chances to increase their ten-point lead however were unable to convert the opportunities into points as the two-sides headed for the sheds.

With the Roosters desperate to stay in finals contention they had to be the first to score in the second half.

However, it was the Bulldogs who extended their lead after centre Willie Tonga made a great break although went himself and appeared to have blown the try. From the next tackle Sonny Bill Williams carried two Roosters defenders over the line. El Masri converted and the Bulldogs led 16-0.

Further chances came for the home side as the Roosters continued to give away penalties, giving the 'Dogs the perfect opportunity to extend their lead. They did just that with skipper Andrew Ryan finding the line to all but secure the victory. El Masri converted and the scoreboard read 22-0.

Playing his last season for the Roosters, Adrian Morley was out to match it up front with the Bulldogs pack.

However, in the 67th minute Morley was sent from the field for kneeing Corey Hughes in the ruck. El Masri was called upon again as the Bulldogs added a further two points to jump out to a 24-0 lead with 12 minutes on the clock.

Brent Sherwin rubbed salt into the wound with seven minutes remaining with his second field goal for the season, giving the Bulldogs a 25-0 victory heading into a well-earned Bye.

The record books were brought out after full-time as the Roosters were kept scoreless for the first time in 312 premiership matches. The win cements second spot for the Bulldogs as they continue to apply pressure to league-leaders Melbourne Storm.

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