Storm rout Bulldogs

A devastating second half has secured the Melbourne Storm a second consecutive minor premiership, beating the Bulldogs 38-6 and consigning the Dogs to almost certainly missing a spot in the NRL top four.

The Storm failed to convert their dominance into points, only leading 8-6 midway through the second half, until a slick backline movement sent Matt Geyer over in the 58 th minute. From there the banks opened, Israel Folau scoring a hat trick in eight scintillating minutes. The final try giving him his twentieth of the season, equaling the club record. Front rower Jeff Lima strolled over with two minutes remaining, a clear indication of the Bulldogs lack of interest in the final stages.

The heavy defeat means the Bulldogs drop out of the top four immediately, with the rest of their competition boasting a match in hand. “I’m not feeling warm and fuzzy, but I’m not about to cut my throat either. I saw enough tonight to suggest that there’s better days ahead”, said Dogs coach Steve Folkes.

Earlier in the season Melbourne trounced the Dogs 38-14, however this performance had far more merit given the Dogs were close to full strength, expect for Willie Mason. “We struggled a bit in the footy in the first half. I thought they responsed great (in the second half)”, said Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

Cameron Smith was again a standout for Melbourne. “A big lesson we learned last year is it doesn’t really matter if you win the minor premiership”

The Storm’s incredible record in the last two seasons is 42 wins from 50 games, however this Melbourne team still doesn’t boast a premiership.

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