Only the Women’s League Tag team could hold their heads high, claiming a 30 to 6 win over Queanbeyan Kangaroos.

The first grade men were belted 58 to 8 by the powerful Roos pack; the reserves went down 56 to 12; and the under 18s also fell 46 to 24 in a day they would rather forget.

First grade coach Michael Picker told players and supporters there was no excuse for the poor performance on Sunday afternoon in front of the home crowd.

“A few things went against us and we have a lot of work to do at training to find answers,” Picker said.

“We did far too much defending and, with missed tackles and poor passing, we gave them scoring opportunities, which they took.”

Part of the Bulldogs game plan had been to bring Tyler Cornish in from the bench, giving him an opportunity to assess his new team’s strengths. However, 30 minutes into the game when he took to the field, the Bulldogs were already 30 points down and feeling the effects of nearly constant defending.

Cornish’s impact was immediate as within seconds of running on, he made a big hit on one of the charging Kangaroos.

“I think the Bulldogs started off too slowly and turning over the ball without completing sets cost them. They seemed to be pretty flat with some exceptions,” he said.

“There appears to be the makings of a pretty good team, but we need to work on the basics to secure the ball and not give away penalties.

“No doubt Michael will give us a lot to work on on Tuesday night at training.”

In the previous round, the Bulldogs defeated the Tuggeranong Bushrangers 30 to 18 in first grade; the reserves, who are a fairly young side, went down to the Bushrangers 32 to 18; and the Under 18s had a 12-all draw.

Nicholas Cornish was this week’s players’ player in first grade with Matt White receiving three points, Matt Antony two and Tyler Greenwood 1

Co-coaches Luke Gray and Shane Gann were pleased with the way the women’s league tag team is working together, Gann said that there is a few things they will be working on to help the newer players understand the game but it was a great team effort on Sunday. Player points went  three to Jess Hand, two Amy Day and  one Megan Picker.

Reserve grade players’ player was Lachlan Fleming, three points to Hugh Hayes, two to Stephen Arnall and one Jake Whittaker. Joe Roberts was the under 18s players’ player.

Next Saturday the Bulldogs play Gungahlin Bulls at Gungahlin.