Conditions were set for a host of cracking games. It started with a great turn out from our Auskickers - welcoming back little doggies from last year and gaining a fresh batch of keen kids ready to play!

Then came the Under 11s game which saw Bellingen defeat Sawtell in a hard fought match, 83 to 41. It was a great team effort with flowing football and a high number of scoring shots.

Standout performances for the Bulldogs up forward were Hugh McFarlane, Molly Bowd and Jarrah Perrot, backed up in defence with strong performances from tackling machines Bella Parmenter and Della Byrnes. Captain Kyralee Blackwell was fantastic in the centre of the ground.

Next game saw the under 13's excited to finally get the season underway after diligently training together for the past 6 weeks. Any pre-game nerves were soon put to bed by a Bulldog blitz in the first quarter, the doggies up by 31 points to 0 at the first break.

To the Saints credit they fought back in the 2nd quarter and narrowed the gap to 12 points at half time. A low scoring third quarter for both teams set the stage for a big finish with the Doggies up by 16 points at the start of the final term. Bellingen then piled on the goals to run out big winners, final score 96-47.

Congratulations to top scorer Keb Hazlett with three goals, ably supported by two each from Beau Bellew, Jarrah Whitmore and Max Cracknell. Then the Bello Youth Girls made history! Not only was it their first ever game it was also their first ever win. Katelyn Whyman was a standout in defence, repelling the opposition constantly.

Then winning all the clearances in the centre to turn the game in our favour. Goal scorers this week were Tahahni Berger, Emily Sutherland and Indy Loos. In trying, hot conditions the girls fought hard with plenty of impressive tackles and second efforts. They displayed a true "never say die" doggy attitude. Both coaches and parents were very proud.

Then to finish the day, the under 15's took on a very polished Sawtell outfit, and although they started off a bit rusty, as the game went on some key players stood up and lifted the whole team. Ben, on the wing, seemed to always be in the right spot to get the ball, and his use of it was amazing.

Dom, a new player to the team rose to the occasion and became a tall key forward who took many strong marks. Down the other end of the field Logan patrolled the back line stopping lots of opposition plays. Harrison and Kyan showed their experience and consistency with their high possession games.

The dogs may have lost the first three quarters but they dominated in the final quarter showing promising signs for the next meeting. The final score was Sawtell 86, Bello 29.