New father Crichton returns to lead Bulldogs past Warriors
Stephen Crichton capped his newfound fatherhood by leading Canterbury to an 18-6 win over the Warriors after returning from injury.
Crichton was stretchered off in a medical taxi at Accor Stadium two weeks ago with nerve damage in his neck, but made a triumphant return to the same venue on Saturday night to strengthen the Bulldogs’ finals hopes.
The 25-year-old’s performance, in which he scored a try and scored three goals, came less than 24 hours after partner Leone welcomed his first child.
Returning to the five-eighth role he was reassigned to midway through this season, Crichton scored the Dogs’ first try of the night, backing up Viliame Kikau’s offload and celebrating with a rocking baby move.
Crichton’s try set the wheels in motion for another impressive victory for Cameron Ciraldo’s men, who have won five of their last six matches and are knocking on the door for a place in the top eight.
What pleased Ciraldo most was Canterbury’s defensive desperation; only a late effort from Chanel Harris-Tavita prevented the Warriors from going home goalless.
And while it was a night of celebration for the Bulldogs, the Warriors missed a golden chance to cut into Penrith’s lead in the minor title race.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster was visibly angry as his team practiced, and seeing full-back Taine Tuaupiki limping away in the moon boot would only add to his frustration.
Crichton followed up his sixth-minute opener by supporting a break from Jacob Cherry, which led to the Dogs nodding left and then cutting back to Lachlan Galvin on the right.
Galvin went for his favorite play (a short ball to Jacob Preston) and it worked wonders as the back-rower pounced to give the Dogs a 12-0 half-time lead.
The Cherries scored an attacking play after the break to push Canterbury further ahead, Crichton missing the touchline conversion but making amends with a penalty goal.
Mitch Barnett was the surprising catalyst for the visitors’ only try in the 75th minute when the prop broke overhead for Harris-Tavita to regroup and score.
AAP
