May 1 - 31, 2026: Issue 654

 

Avalon Bulldogs Host Barrenjoey Cup 2026 + Ladies Day at Hitchcock Park: Round 5

Avalon Bulldogs Grade A team hosted Mona Vale Raiders in the 2026 edition of the Barrenjoey Cup at Hitchcock Park on Sunday May 17 for Round 5 of the Opens Competition. These two teams sat at the top of the 2026 Northern Open Age Gold competition ladder, with Mona Vale in first place, meaning a tight match was anticipated and then played over the course of the afternoon.


Avalon Bulldogs President Craig Schlitter and Mona Vale Raiders President Hamish Mclean with the Barrenjoey Cup

The Bulldogs and Raiders state the Barrenjoey Cup is a rivalry built on years of competition, community and mutual respect.

''The Barrenjoey Cup is more than just a game. It’s about two clubs pushing each other to be better every single season while continuing to grow rugby league. Avalon Bulldogs and Mona Vale Raiders share a genuine respect for the people, players, volunteers and families behind both clubs.

A huge thank you to Johnson Bros Mitre 10 for getting behind the day and supporting local grassroots sport. Community sponsors like this help create opportunities for players, strengthen local clubs and keep weekends like this thriving for the next generation.''

The Bulldogs hosted their Ladies Day prior to the 3pm kick-off, which was a quiet lull for the women of the club to meet up and share some delicious food and the park before the roar of the crowd began. A trio of musicians in the clubhouse provided some great music.

Bulldogs Committee Lady Members include; Vice President Stef Puskar, Secretary and Registrar Jazmin Ball, Vice President Tag Michelle Bridge, Sponsorship Claudine Gasnier, Gear Steward Joanna Gaffikin and Active Life Member Samantha Stone.

Bulldogs President Craig Schlitter presented bouquets to thank these ladies for all the effort they put in over the winter and summer touch competitions, stating the club was well looked after by this team and their support crew of mums and youngsters helping to ensure each aspect of the Avalon Bulldogs JRLC thrived from Under 6's through to their Opens.

Thank you!

Spritzers 

Snacks

Peter Johnson (aka 'Mr Cool') and Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby 

The Round 5 Barrenjoey Cup game saw Mona Vale score first was successfully converted in the first 15 minutes of play. Avalon stepped up their defensive game and held off more challenges but remained scoreless as the half time bell sounded.

In the second half both teams kept up their strong defence, pushing each other to the limit.

The Bulldogs stepped it up a notch, scoring and converting their first try within the first 15 minutes of the second half. This was followed by another just 5 minutes later, also converted, and a third within the last 6 minutes of the game.

The final score was Bulldogs 16 - Raiders 6, which saw the Avalon A Grade move to the top of the table as the Opens Round 6 commences today, Sunday May 24.

Only Harbord remains winless so far this Season, and plays the Mona Vale Raiders at Newport Oval this afternoon. The top 3 teams in the 2026 competition have each won 4 out of the 5 games played so far.

The Ladder after Round 5 is:

1 2026 Avalon Bulldogs Open Age

2 2026 Mona Vale Raiders Open Age

3 2026 Forestville Ferrets Open Age (Gold)

4 2026 Cromer Kingfishers Open Age (Gold)

5 2026 Narrabeen Sharks Open Age (Black)

6 Asquith Magpies Open Age GOLD

7 2026 Belrose Eagles Open Age

8 2026 Harbord United Devils Open Age (Gold)

A few more photos from the 2026 Barrenjoey Cup round run below - album here for Families, members and players own albums.