The top of the table clash saw the undefeated Bulls seeking to continue their stampede whilst the Dolphins were looking to avenge their first round loss and secure the points to bring them back to the top of the table.

From the kick-off the pace of the game was frenetic with both teams fielding big forward packs that challenged each other in both attack and defence holding both teams scoreless for the first 15 minutes of the game before the Dolphins’ Jack Nicholson, playing his 50^th game for the Dolphins crossed for the first try of the match.

With an unsuccessful conversion the Dolphins led 5 -0.

As the first half unfolded both teams played aggressive rugby, although the Dolphins were slightly more disciplined in their approach and took advantage of every penalty opportunity to gain valuable ground throughout the 40 minutes and methodically attacked at the Bulls’ defence.

The Bulls stampeded back on numerous occasions but were only able to cross for one try to Daniel Aldridge which with a successful conversion saw the score at 17-7 at half time.

The second half saw both teams under threat in the first five minutes and the strong Bulls crowd that had travelled to support their team in the Year of the Bull provided plenty of encouragement for the Bulls’ players as the both teams dug deep in attack and defence.

The Dolphins were able to draw first blood again, with the number 15, Zac Palmer showing great speed and agility to cross for the Dolphins fourth try of the game (and thus a bonus point) which was successfully converted bringing the score to 24-7.

Not to be outdone, the Bulls dug deep and returned fire with Dan Aldridge crossing for the Bulls after a hard core pick and drive by the Bulls to bring the score at the final whistle to 24-14.

Full credit to the Dolphins for an impressive performance on the paddock to take five competition points and re-join the Bulls as equal points leaders at the top of the Lower Mid North Coast Rugby competition.

The real winner out of this result, must be the dedicated fans and custodians of rugby on the Lower Mid North Coast.

Absent some unexpected results, the fans will see a showdown for the minor premiership when the Bulls and Dolphins next meet at the Bulls’ home ground in the last game before the finals on July 29.

The Wallamba Bulls Agland Turf Player of the Match was Daniel Aldridge

The Bulls next game is away when they meet the Gloucester Cockies. The Nabiac Hotel Wallamba Bulls free supporter’s bus will leave the hotel at 1.15pm.