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After a disappointing result against Colchester and the Greenwich Admirals unable to field a team last Saturday Broadstairs were keen to make a mark against the Ravens. Kent was the first team the Bulldogs ever played, the Bulldogs winning 32-12, so Kent were keen to repay Broadstairs.

Broadstairs received the kick off and looked to hit the Ravens through the centre using forwards Alex White and Rob Marks. Within one set of tackles Kent had felt the pressure losing a scrum against the head and giving away a penalty in front of the posts. Tom Longdon kicked the two points for a good start.

From the following restart good running from Tim MacLaughlin, and quick ball from Pieter Slabbert released Michael Simmonds, who beat three players to score under the posts, Longdon converted. After throwing away the game at Colchester the main aim was to keep a clean sheet. The restarts immediately gave possession back to the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs continued their great start with further tries from Pieter Slabbert and Rob Marks, Marks was outstanding throughout the game and had to leave the field for attention for a cut in his head. Tom Longdon continued his form kicking both conversions.

The half continued with great running and expansive passing which Kent just couldn’t deal with. After a try from Stuart Plumridge the Ravens began a comeback. They worked very hard to put a set of six together and finally got a reward with try from short range under the posts.

This was just a small blip in the Bulldogs defence and Tim Maclaughlin and then Yan N’Dong, on his debut, continued the rout. Halftime saw the score 6 – 36.

Broadstairs were clinical in the second half. From the restart the wide running and wide use of the pitch allowed further scores from Rupert and Stuart Plumridge. Ben Bryant the Bulldogs captain used his experience and on a last tackle put up a high ball, leaping like a Canadian Salmon he recovered the ball ahead of three Ravens players to again score for the team. The result was in no doubt, but the Bulldogs continued.

Phil Sykes, the head coach who was playing due to the increasing injury list, received the restart and off loaded to the impressive Michael Simmonds. Simmo carried the ball and after a great dummy went through the line, drawing the last man he released Stuart Plumridge. He unselfishly returned the ball to Simmo after the work he did.

The game finished with three scores from Sam Naden who again made his debut. A slow start for Sam was expected, as he had never played rugby league before. He came into his element; his explosive pace and angled running was well above the level of the defence in front of him.

The game finished 6 – 80, Broadstairs have three league games left and are now looking forward to compounding their position at the top of the league and hopefully a Grand Final appearance in their first ever season.