By Kirra Livingstone
A DEPLETED Beerwah Bulldogs side suffered its first loss since 2022, going down 23-16 to the Caloundra Sharks in their opening game of the 2024 season.
The game (April 6) was at the Beerwah Sportsground with a full house of support at the Doggies Clubhouse.
It took 30 minutes for either team to score a try, with Bulldogs second row, Thomas Dwan, finding the scoreline first.
However, it wasn’t long until Caloundra struck back with a converted try of their own. The Bulldogs got a penalty kick on half time, putting them in the lead 8-6.
Beerwah came out strong in the second half, with wing Tom McClure scoring a try two minutes in, however, Mathew Kidd missed the conversion.
It was back and forth with the try scoring from then on, but due to Beerwah’s missed conversions and one more try for the Sharks, the opposition prevailed.
Bulldogs club president, Ref Hammill, said it was a close battle, and the boys put in a big effort despite having a depleted side.
“We’re not really concerned over the loss, it was a close game considering we still have four or five players out on suspension from last year,” he said.
“That was Caloundra’s strongest side to our side where we’ve dragged up four or five reserve players, next time we face them they will have a rude awakening.”
He added while most players out on suspension will be back by ANZAC round, it’s good to see the next generation of players stepping up.
“With our younger team is coming through, the future is looking good. C Grade players moved up to play in the reserve grade team this week,” he said.
“Out of the five reserve players playing in the A Grade side, two were on debut.”
This was the team’s first loss since their 2022 grand final upset against the Maroochydore Swans.
Before the A Grade Men played, the Reserve Men beat the Gympie Devils 30-12, and the Open Women lost 58-4 against the Caloundra Sharks.
Open Women’s coach, Ray Ballantyne, said the final score does not reflect on the team’s effort or attitude, highlighting injuries as their biggest set back.
“What is great about the girls is they will be behind in the scoreline, and still say let’s go girls, they still have a positive attitude and they never give up,” he said.
“We had lots of injuries and girls out this week, but the girls who are here are really good and will keep improving.
“This is an improvement year, but watch us in the back end of the season, we will come good.”