Tallon Smith

After going close in two of their first three games of the season, the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs finally opened their account for 2026 with an 18-10 upset victory over the Shellharbour Stingrays at Bill Andriske Oval on Saturday.

Following losses to Berry (by 2 points), Nowra-Bomaderry (16 points) and Albion Park-Oak Flats (8 points), the Bulldogs saw off a second half charge from the Stingrays to secure their first win of the year in front of their home fans.

Milton-Ulladulla coach Andy Lynch said it was a good feeling to walk away with the two competition points after just falling short a week earlier in a strong performance against Albion Park-Oak Flats on Anzac Day.

“Obviously it was great to get that first win of the year,” he said.

“The last two games against two quality outfits, we asked for some good performances and they [produced] against Albion Park and just came up short.

“We did the same again with Stingrays, we put the performance in and got the two points, which is a big relief. 

“Hopefully the guys should get some confidence from it and keep building for the rest of the year.”

After both teams had their chances early, Kye Lynch opened the scoring in the 18th minute, before Thomas Nelson extended Milton’s lead to 10-0 when he crashed over seven minutes later.

That scoreline remained the same until the 57th minute, when Tommy Warner ran through a number of Bulldogs defenders to score, before James Ralphs broke the line in the next set following the kickoff, linking with halfback Isaac Morris who raced away to level the scores at 10-all.

However, the Bulldogs weren’t about to let another close one slip, and a fantastic individual try fron Jayden Millard in the 66th minute put the side ahead 16-10, with a late penalty goal sealing the deal for an eight-point win.

In terms of the efforts of his players, Lynch said that there were a number of strong performers across the the park, with the Bulldogs’ younger players starting to deliver on the promise they have shown coming through the ranks, led by a gritty effort from their front rower.

“Thomas Nelson played 70 minutes and he’s been sick all week, he didn’t train on Friday, so for him to put another big performance in after putting an 80 minute performance in against Albion Park is massive,” he said.

“Harry Tan, the way he’s been going this year is unbelievable and he’s been making a massive difference for us.

“Kye Lynch has scored four from four, one per game, he is going well in the back row [and] Jayden Millard, he’s out there on the edge dictating what’s going on, so it’s great for Kye to learn off him.

“You’ve got Riz in the middle, Riley Wooden, the leader on and off the field, which is great [and] young guys Blake Jones and Josh Crawford at the back.

“He is probably the smallest kid on the field, but I thought he produced a man of the match performance on Saturday so it’s great for him.”

Next up for the Bulldogs is another home clash with the Kiama Knights in Group 7’s Match of the Round this Sunday at 3pm.

With the Knights coming off a bounce back 62-0 win over the Warilla Gorillas on Sunday following a disappointing 1-2 start of their own, the Bulldogs are set to face their biggest test of the season against Matt O’Brien and Steve Ross’ men.

Heading into the match, Lynch said securing the side’s first win of the year has provided a boost before the clash with the defending premiers, but ultimately he is more focused on producing consistent 80 minute performances, with results to follow off the back of that.

“Being on the right side of results and to close the game [out] gives you massive confidence, but I just spoke about all this year getting a performance right,” he said.

“If you walk off that field with your head held high, that’s job done, if we get the win on top that’s a bonus for us.

“I think things are going in the right direction, and we’ve just got to keep working hard.”

Looking at other results around Group 7 over the weekend, the Jamberoo Superoos also scored their first win of the year after overcoming Nowra-Bomaderry 28-22 at Bomaderry Sports Complex on Sunday.

Fullback Toby Peters crossed for a try double for Jamberoo as the Superoos outscored the Jets six tries to five to bank their first competition points.

Meanwhile, Albion Park-Oak Flats remains unbeaten after a 58-0 victory over Berry-Shoalhaven Heads in front of a very healthy crowd at Centenary Field.

Winger Dallas Harrison scored a hat-trick in the win to bring his total for the year to eight, after his remarkable four-try haul in round one.

Competition leader Gerringong also maintained its unbeaten run with a dominant 42-4 victory over the Shellharbour Sharks at Michael Cronin Oval on Saturday.

Winger Liam Holland finished with a double, joining Wes Pring, Tyler Dolenc, Isaac Laughton, Isaac Russell, Beau Doosey and Rixon Russell on the scoresheet for the Lions as they increased their points differential to a remarkable +146 after just four games.

Finally, as mentioned above, the Kiama Knights bounced back from their Anzac Day loss to Gerringong running out 62-0 winners at home against Warilla-Lake South.

Round five action this weekend sees Berry-Shoalhaven Heads host Warilla and the Sharks welcome Nowra on Saturday, before Jamberoo tackles Albion Park, Stingrays face off with Gerringong and Milton takes on Kiama on Sunday.