The Tathra Sea Eagles have climbed to a shared second place on the ladder after a strong win over the Bulldogs on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The loss sends the Dogs tumbling down the ladder with just one competition point separating second from sixth with two rounds left in the regular season.
The Bulldogs held a narrow 8-6 lead at half-time on their home turf at 'the Dogpound' before the Sea Eagles ran rampant in the second half to win 42-8.
The home team had been left short handed and in a dangerous position at the back after fullback Rhys Schafer was knocked out midway through the first half.
However, the home club had earlier found the first points on the fringe and backed up with another try later coming again on the edge.
The Dogs had chosen to run into a stiff southerly breeze and kicking became a challenge with the first conversion attempt ringing off the post, while the second faded wide.
However, the Eagles had less trouble with the boot and had already kept in touch in the first half with some solid line defence and good attacking options.
Kyle Shepherdson was a constant threat at fullback with some good turns of speed, while Reuben Smahel paired up well with Hayden Parbery and Connor Carr to build strong metres through the middle.
Both the Bulldogs attacking edges were well guarded by the visitors too - with strike options Luke Rixon and Brock Seabrook well covered by the Eagles to keep the Bulldogs scoreless in the second half.
However, the visitors let loose in the second half to overwhelm the Bulldogs' defence.
"Our first grade boys turned it on in the second half to run out winners over a tough Bulldogs outfit," club officials shared on social media.
"really putting them in a position for the finals." the post said.
Earlier, the Sea Eagles had a similar second-half surge to defeat the Candelo-Bemboka Panthers in the reserve grade contest.
The Eagles were trailing at the break, but began to dominate possession in the second half, running in a series of tries on the right edge to record a
The win sees the Sea Eagles sharing second place with the Bombala Blue Heelers after they scored a last-minute penalty goal to draw with the Eden Tigers.
The Moruya Sharks also claimed a one-point win over the Narooma Devils to bring themselves back into the top five fold.
Meanwhile, the Bega Roosters had a first grade bye and remain atop the competition table, while the reserve grade Roosters were able to secure a win over the Snowy River Bears under lights on Saturday night.
The win has secured the Roosters the minor premiership and a home final.