DEFENSIVE stars Gavin James and Tom McGregor tore strips off the hyped Bridgewater as Pyramid Hill set in stone its new season credentials on Saturday.
The Bulldogs roamed their home ground with authority, using knowledge of how to play the wide expanses of Mitchell Park.
Coach Nathan Fitzpatrick saw his players execute a game plan that left Bridgewater looking ragged, rattled and frustrated. It was a masterclass in how to play the league’s biggest ground from the methodical and usually demur Bulldog leader.
The Mean Machine’s goal gun Lachlan Sharp was held to just one goal - that came in the second term - and he spent the last term  as an onballer trying to avert a Bulldog mauling.
Bridgewater was held scoreless in the first term and its last 30 minutes of the game was not much better, adding a solitary behind to the scoreboard.
Up by 22 points at the final break, Pyramid wasted little time setting out to extend the margin and record its second win of the season - narrow opening round losses to fellow top spot contenders Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Marong were not going to be repeated against the other side in Top Three contention.
Bailey Scott converted three minutes after exploiting gaps in Bridgewater’s forward zone.
Another desperate lunge by Bridgewater saw 30 seconds of strategic kick-to-kick across half-back before Brodie Carroll punted the ball to Ben Knight who ran into an open goal.
Play was temporarily held up mid-term when one of the field umpires took out his notebook. Bridgewater’s Jack Symons was booked for charging and later accepted a one-match suspension.
Jayden Cowling locked in a Bridgewater turnover and added another goal for the Bulldogs.
Sharp was darting everywhere, as was Harry Mc Kinley, but their efforts were constantly being blocked by James and McGregor who continued their games of dominance. Onballers Jesse Sheahan and Bryden Morrison were vital links as Pyramid Hill moved the ball from defence to forward 50 with rapidity.
Skipper Steve Gunther added another goal late in the term, one of five for Pyramid Hill for the quarter.
Rover Boden Alexander has stamped himself as a gritty and consistent player for the Mean Machine who gave their best player to half-back Joseph Mayes in a difficult day for their defenders. Lee Coghlan also bobbed up trying for forward 50 success. kicking one of Bridgewater’s three goals.
Pyramid Hill has now played all the top teams and could rise up the ladder in coming weeks.