Kurri trailed for much of the game but came home too strong for a gallant Macquarie to win 22-18.

Macquarie opened the scoring when fullback Clarence Bruinsma scored under the posts and Thorogood converted to lead 6-0.

Danny Palmer scored for Kurri to make it 6-4. Luke Knoblanche failed with the conversion attempt.

Dane Kershaw was next to score for Macquarie and Thorogood again converted for the score line 12-4.

Kurri were in again this time to halfback Chris Tyrie and Knoblanche kicked his only goal of the day for Macquarie to lead 12-10 at half time.

A run of penalties to Macquarie, and all the ball, had Kurri on the back foot in the second half and Thorogood kicked three penalty goals in this time to lead 18-10.

Kurri scored through Simon Craig, again unconverted to make the score 18-14 with 15 minutes remaining.

Five minutes later Kurri was in again with a try to Danny Palmer, his second of the day, and the score line was squared up at 18-18.

Then the moment the crowd had waited for; winger Steven Kidd forced his way over in the corner right in front of the large contingent of “Old Boys” who had a special day at the football. The roar would be heard miles away as this made the final score 22-18.

Best players for Kurri were forwards Marty Oborne, Ji Hill and Cheyne McIntyre and backs Danny Palmer and Chris Tyrie.

Young centre Simon Craig again stood out and showed coach Shaun Collingwood that he just has to pick him somewhere in the team.

Making his first grade debut was 17-year-old halfback Blake Birch, who showed his class and that he is definitely ready for first grade.

He is the third 17-year-old to make his first grade debut and this will stand the club in a good position for the future.

Reserve grade was defeated by 24-10 in a game with five minutes to go the score was 12-10 and anyone’s game to take. Macquarie was the side who put their hand up.

Try scorers for Kurri were Kurt Gidgeon and Mitch Turner and Blake Birch kicked one goal. Best players were Blake Birch, Jamie Tetevano, Ben Newcombe and Mitch Turner.

Third grade suffered their first defeat of the year and were soundly beaten by 40-14.

The boys failed to tackle in the first half and Macquarie led 34-4 at half time. Coach Barry Moore gave the boys a blast at half time and they won the second half 10-6.

Try scorers were Kyle Brian, Mick Carr and Mick Akers and John Douglas kicked one goal.

Under 19’s scored a convincing win by 30-12. Young centre James Charles scored four tries and second rower Brenton Horwood scored the other. Winger Tim Fitzpatrick kicked five goals.

Best players were James Charles, Brenton Horwood, Stuart Stoker and Joel McCann.

Next week the Bulldogs play Central at Passmore Oval on Sunday and then are back home against the Bay the following Saturday.