But this result was memorable for all the wrong reasons, with the Bulldogs beaten 74-4 by North Tamworth at Jack Woolaston Oval.

The match was a ‘must-win’ for the Dogs to survive the remainder of the season, and the loss ensures Gunnedah will miss its shot at finals football this year. 

No less than seven Norths players went over for tries, 10 of them shared by just four Tamworth  players.

Meanwhile the Bulldogs' lone four-pointer was scored by straight-running centre, Jie Smith.

Coincidently, Gunnedah suffered a big loss to Norths in the corresponding match last year where they went down in a 54-16 result.

Gunnedah coach Phil Donnelly said few possessions didn’t help their cause but really, they were just beaten by a better side on the day.

Bulldogs club President Ray McCoy said the club felt its share of unavilabilities before and during the match but in all honesty, thought Norths were simply too good.

“(Norths) got a good start, they played a really hard game, and we never recovered,” McCoy said.

“We had six changes to the starting 13 which didn’t help but we’re not making excuses.

“At the end of the day, both sides had 13 players but Norths made best use of the ball.”

McCoy added that they club would be holding a player review session tonight to address issues as such.

“We were understrength but they played the better game.

“It’s shame to finish on such a low note.”

The recent loss caps off what has been a slippery slide for the Bulldogs since their strong start to the year which saw them beat Group 4 dynamos West Lions, not once but twice, early this season.

The good form soon gave way to error-riddled games, punctuated by an injury list which grew longer by the week.

In reserve grade, the Bulldogs didn’t fare much better  and lost 34-28 to Norths.

Fullback Farran Lamb went over for two tries for the Bulldogs, while Josh and Levii Griffiths, and Paul Sharpley  all scored one each.

Sharpley is showing plenty of strong form for Gunnedah reserve outfit heading into the finals, with 11 tries to his name from just six matches this year.

But the Dogs could do little to stem the points flowing off the boot of Norths’ Stephen Graham who kicked five goals from six attempts on Saturday.

The Under-18s Bullpups had the club’s only win of the day, with a 32-12 victory against the top-placed Norths.

The Bullpups racked up seven tries to Norths’ three, to offer the young side plenty of confidence before the start of its finals campaign later this week.