Bulldogs 20
Storm 18
Resolute Canterbury defence saw them secure a third straight win and 16 points on the table.
It included a 66th minute try-saving tackle by fullback Luke Patten which knocked him out.
In contrast, the Storm lost their fourth match in five. While they competed strongly, it raises questions over their motivation for the rest of the season in the wake of the salary cap rort.
The first half was an even struggle. Cooper Cronk's boot was the star in the first two Storm tries. Bulldogs five-eighth Ben Barba also slipped in a skilful cut-out pass to set up Bryson Goodwin on the left wing.
Second-rower Jamal Idris used brawn, out-muscling Billy Slater to haul in a bomb just below the crossbar. Another bruising run to set up Shane Neumann in the second half.
Canterbury 20 (B. Goodwin, J. Idris, S Neumann tries, Goodwin 4 goals); Melbourne 18 (B. Finch, B. Slater, S. Manu tries; G. Inglis, C. Smith 2 goals). Halftime: 12-12.
