Bulldogs posted just its second win over the Lions since the 2010 preliminary final when downing City 27-14 at Ashwood Park last Saturday. The one prior to that was in last year’s magnificent, thrilling elimination semi-final at the same ground.

Saturday’s win was Bulldogs’ third from as many outings so far this winter, while City’s record now stands at one victory and two losses.

While the Lions did get within one point of the lead 12 minutes into the second half as the boot of Kegan Harding punished Bulldogs’ infringements, coach Steve Hamson admitted he was unsure if his men could go on to win.

“They are a side that never give up, they’ll battle you to the end,” Hamson said of Bulldogs.

“We hadn’t really troubled them all day .. all the energy we had to use against them in the set piece probably told in the end.”

Hamson did say this Lions side has the opportunity to build its own legacy, that needs to start now though.

“We’ve got a lot of new guys, a lot of young guys,” he said.

“They’ve got to decide what they want to be known for, whether they want to battle to the end or be like other teams in the comp that when the game starts to get away, they run the white flag up.

“I’d like to think they’ll develop a bit of character.”

Certainly Bulldogs coach Nathan Pearce expects the Lions to improve as the season goes on.

“It was good to get a quality game for the guys to see what we need to do this season. I think City will be there (at the pointy end of the season) again this year,” he said.

“They are the toughest side we’ve played so far, absolutely.

“I think some of the penalties against us were because they put a bit of pressure on us.”

Both Bulldogs and City will sit out this Saturday with a competition general bye, before taking on Cowra and Dubbo Rhinos respectively.

Although Rhinos are above the Lions on the standings at the moment, it’s a game Orange City is expected to win and win well.