Final-Lee! Raiders leave it late to keep finals hopes alive

A runaway Edrick Lee try with six minutes remaining has given the Canberra Raiders' finals chances a huge boost over a deflated Penrith Panthers in front of disappointing 8,048 at Pepper Stadium.

In a highly entertaining match both sides went try for try until Edrick Lee charged down a Peter Wallace kick and raced away with not only the winning try but also the Panthers slim finals hopes.

English import Josh Hodgson was again outstanding for the Raiders providing excellent service from the ruck and was a constant danger for the Panthers. He was ably assisted by five-eighth Blake Austin and prop Paul Vaughan who finished the match with a double.

Penrith were the first side on the board in the 6th minute, when Elijah Taylor celebrated his 100th first grade match with the first try of the match, when he managed to wrestle his way over the line after a great offload from star hooker James Segeyaro.

Panthers fullback Will Smith then made a terrible mistake at the play the ball which allowed Canberra the right of reply. They answered directly when slick hands from Josh Hodgson and Joey Leilua put Jordan Rapana over for the first of his two tries for the afternoon. Croker added the extras from the sideline and it was 6 all after 10 minutes.

6 minutes later, Jamie Soward put up a bomb which was not opposed by Raiders winger Rapana and was deflected off the arm of Waqa Blake, bouncing into the path of Panthers centre Isaah Yeo who charged over for Penrith's second try of the match. Soward added the extras to make it 12-6 to the home side.

The Raiders hit back again when Raiders prop Paul Vaughan made the desired impact coming off the bench to muscle his way over and get the ball down in a strong display. Croker added the extras and again the game was deadlocked.

James Segeyaro then created a brilliant bit of play putting Soward through a gap and then from the ensuing play scoring himself next to the posts and again Penrith hit the lead by a converted try.

Right on que the Raiders returned serve when in form five eighth Blake Austin sliced through the defensive line and found captain Jarrod Croker who in turn found Shaun Fensom in support to lock things up at the break at 18 all after the Croker conversion.

The second half started cautiously, with both teams taking a while to find their feet. It wasn't until a Jamie Soward dropped ball allowed the Raiders some field possession and off the back of that Hodgson put Paul Vaughan over for his second try of the day.

Jordan Rapana then gave Penrith a chance with an error, that allowed Penrith a chance to attack and they didn't waste the opportunity, when late inclusion Robert Jennings went over in the corner. Jamie Soward converted from the sideline to make it 24 all.

With the game in the balance, new recruit Joey Leilua then darted down the blind side and in a clever piece of play put Jordan Rapana over in the corner. Jarrod Croker missed the first kick of the afternoon to put the Raiders ahead by an unconverted try.

Penrith then put the pressure on the Canberra defensive line, until Wallace's kick was plucked out of the air by Edrick Lee who raced clear to put the result to bed.

Next week Penrith head to ANZ Stadium to face the reigning premiers South Sydney on Sunday afternoon, while on Saturday Canberra will travel to Townsville to take on the high-flying Cowboys.

Match Details

Penrith Panthers 24 Canberra Raiders 34
Venue: Pepper Stadium
Crowd: 8078
Halftime Score: Penrith Panthers 18 Canberra Raiders 18

PENRITH PANTHERS (24)
Tries: Elijah Taylor, Isaah Yeo, James Segeyaro, Robert Jennings
Conversions: Jamie Soward (4/4)

CANBERRA RAIDERS (34)
Tries: Jordan Rapana (2), Paul Vaughan (2), Shaun Fensom, Edrick Lee
Conversions: Jarrod Croker (5/6)

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:

3 points - Josh Hodgson
2 points - Paul Vaughan
1 point - James Segeyaro

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary

Welcome to the first game of Sunday Afternoon Football where the Penrith Panthers host the Canberra Raiders from Pepper Stadium. This promises to be a huge game for both sides finals ambitions, so expect both teams not to hold back!

Penrith have lost experienced winger Dave Simmons who has been replaced by exciting youngster Robert Jennings in jumper #21. Canberra have one positional change with Paul Vaughan moving back to the bench and Frank-Paul Nuuausala to start in the front row.

It's a glorious day for football at Penrith, so expect plenty of free flowing attack from both teams!

Raiders five-eighth Blake Austin returns to his former club for the first time in the lime green. Panthers backrower Elijah Taylor plays his 100th first grade game.

Panthers winger Waqa Blake left the warm up early with a sternum injury but will take his place in the side.

1: We are underway with Penrith kicking off!

3: Strong defence from both sides early on. No risky plays early.

5: Great kick on the last from Yeo who rolls in the in goal for a repeat set. Panthers elect to put the ball through the hands on the last.

6: Penalty Panthers - Leilua not releasing quick enough. Panthers take the tap 15m out and are on the attack.

6: TRY PENRITH PANTHERS
Scored by Elijah Taylor. Kick to come.
Elijah Taylor makes the most of an offload from James Segeyaro to muscle his way over under the posts. Good start Panthers! 4-0 Kick to come.

6: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PENRITH PANTHERS
Conversion attempt by Jamie Soward successful.
Soward makes no mistake. Penrith lead 6-0.

7: Penalty Raiders - Panthers p[layers in front of the kicker from a huge bomb from Soward. Raiders find touch on halfway.

9: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
David Shillington makes an unforced error.
Shillington offloads to former team mate Nigel Plum close to the line.

9: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
William Smith makes an unforced error.
Will Smith knocks on. Big chance Raiders.

10: TRY CANBERRA RAIDERS
Scored by Jordan Rapana. Kick to come.
Beautiful hands from Hodgson to Leilua to Rapana who scores in the corner. 6-4 kick to come.

12: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANBERRA RAIDERS
Conversion attempt by Jarrod Croker successful.
Croker nails it from the sideline. 6 all.

13: Frank-Paul Nuuausala again makes a strong run from the kick off. Good call by Ricky Stuart to start him today.

15: Edrick Lee cornered in his own half and almost offloads to the referee, Jack Wighton cleans up.

16: TRY PENRITH PANTHERS
Scored by Isaah Yeo. Kick to come.
Soward puts up a bomb and Waqa Blake gets a touch which has been ruled to have gone backwards by the video ref. Isaah Yeo picks it up and charges over for a try. Tough call.

17: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PENRITH PANTHERS
Conversion attempt by Jamie Soward successful.
Soward increases the Panthers lead 12-6.

18: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Elijah Taylor makes an unforced error.
Taylor spills the ball. Raiders scrum 20m out.

19: Penalty Raiders - Panthers hands on the ball. Raiders take the tap.

20: TRY CANBERRA RAIDERS
Scored by Paul Vaughan. Kick to come.
Vaughan makes the desired impact and steamrolls his way over to reach out and score!

21: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANBERRA RAIDERS
Conversion attempt by Jarrod Croker successful.
Croker locks it up at 12 all.

23: Segeyaro skips through and finds Jamie Soward, brought down 10m out.

23: TRY PENRITH PANTHERS
Scored by James Segeyaro. Kick to come.
Segeyaro finishes off the play!

24: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PENRITH PANTHERS
Conversion attempt by Jamie Soward successful.
Soward adds the extras. Panthers lead 18-12.

26: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Waqa Blake makes an unforced error.
Soward goes with the bomb to Blake's corner again, but Blake knocks it forward. Raiders scrum deep in their own half.

27: TRY CANBERRA RAIDERS
Scored by Shaun Fensom. Kick to come.
Blake Austin charges through from halfway, he finds Croker who finds Shaun Fensom backing up. Outstanding try!

28: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANBERRA RAIDERS
Conversion attempt by Jarrod Croker successful.
Croker adds the extras. Sensational game! 18 all at Pepper Stadium.

31: Segeyaro will a great kick on the last, which Wighton is able to make it out of his in goal.

32: Blake Austin gets a great bounce and the Raiders trap Smith in goal. Drop out Panthers.

33: Hodgson grubbers for Austin in goal who collides with Peachey. No drama, 20m tap for Penrith.

34: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Robert Jennings makes an unforced error.
Forward pass from the youngster. Raiders scrum 30m from their own line.

35: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
Josh McCrone makes an unforced error.
McCrone drops an offload from Papalli. Panthers scrum 40m from their own line now.

37: Wallace grubbers for the in goal but Nuuausala dives on it to take the pressure off. Raiders ball deep in their own half.

38: Panthers back 3 have been a bit nervy. Smith runs backs and offloads to Jennings..almost a disaster for Penrith.

39: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Bryce Cartwright makes an unforced error.
Cartwright goes for an offload and knocks on.

39: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
Josh Papalii makes an unforced error.
Papalli bursts through from the scrum but offloads to a Panthers jersey.

40: Half time at Pepper Stadium, and the Raiders and Panthers are all tied up at 18 all.

It has been a sensational first half with both sides not prepared to die wondering with some exciting play. Very much tit for tat stuff with neither side scoring successive tries. For the Panthers tries to Taylor, Segeyaro and Yeo and for the Raiders tries to Rapana, Vaughan and Fensom.

The 18 all scoreline indicates the desperation of both teams and you get the feeling we are in for more of the same in the second half so stay tuned!

40: Back in action for the Second Half!

42: Almost identical start from the 1st half as both sides test each other out.

43: Panthers run the ball on the last and Boyd tackles Segeyaro for 6. Raiders ball 10m out from their own line.

44: Robert Jennings slices through and brought down just short of halfway. McCrone brings him down but gives away a penalty. Panthers on the attack!

45: Confusing stuff as Peachey offloads into the legs of Hodgson, then Waqa Blake and Hodgson wrestle for it. Scuffle ensues and Panthers get 6 more 20m out.

46: Penalty Raiders - Wallace gives a bad ball and then holds on too long in frustration.

47: 6 more Raiders - Austin's kick deflects off a Panthers player. Played at says the referee.

48: Poor end to the set from the Raiders as Papalli is held on the last.

50: Another poor last tackle option from Canberra and Peachey scoots away and brought down on halfway.

51: McCrone grubbers in goal gets deflected in the arms of Will Smith who makes it back into the field of play.

51: Josh Papalli looks like to have made a shoulder charge on Nigel Plum who is out for the count. Looks like a head clash on closer inspection.

52: Penalty Panthers - High contact with the head by Papalli who has left for a concussion test. No need for Plum who is assisted from the field.

53: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Jamie Soward makes an unforced error.
Plenty of offloads from Penrith and Soward puts one down.

54: TRY CANBERRA RAIDERS
Scored by Paul Vaughan. Kick to come.
Paul Vaughan crashes over for try number 2 for the afternoon! Great ball Hodgson. Raiders in front 22-18 kick to come..

55: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANBERRA RAIDERS
Conversion attempt by Jarrod Croker successful.
Jarrod Croker puts the Raiders ahead 24-18.

57: Lewis Brown sliced through and then passes to Josh Hodgson. Raiders diffuse the situation.

58: Penalty Raiders - for a strip...probably loose carry though. Raiders find the line 40m out.

59: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
Paul Vaughan makes an unforced error.
Vaughan knocks on big let off for the Panthers.

61: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
Jordan Rapana makes an unforced error.
Rapana knocks on a cross field kick. Panthers on the attack!

62: TRY PENRITH PANTHERS
Scored by Robert Jennings. Kick to come.
Try Panthers! Penrith put it through the hands from the ensuing scrum and Jennings dives over in the corner. Raiders lead by 2, kick to come.

64: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PENRITH PANTHERS
Conversion attempt by Jamie Soward successful.
Jamie Soward from the sideline! Locked up again!

65: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Dean Whare makes an unforced error.
Whare spills the ball with the Panthers throwing the ball about. Scrum Raiders 40m out from their own line.

66: TRY CANBERRA RAIDERS
Scored by Jordan Rapana. Kick to come.
Try Jordan Rapana! Leilua dummies and shoots down the blind side and hit Rapana with a great ball. Canberra lead 28-24 with a kick to come.

67: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANBERRA RAIDERS
Conversion attempt by Jarrod Croker unsuccessful.
Croker misses. 28-24 it remains.

68: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
Jarrad Kennedy makes an unforced error.
Jarrad Kennedy knocks on. Huge chance Panthers 20m out.

69: Soward kicks for the corner, they leap and Blake wins the contest but a metre short. Raiders ball.

70: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Waqa Blake makes an unforced error.
Raiders let a bomb bounces, quick hands to the left but Blake puts it down. Pass was a bit behind him. Huge let off for the Raiders!

72: Fantastic take from Will Smith as he comes down with the difficult bomb from Austin.

73: Penalty Penrith - McCrone gets tangled up with Wallace. Panthers 9m out!

74: TRY CANBERRA RAIDERS
Scored by Edrick Lee. Kick to come.
Incredible try as Lee charges down a chip from Wallace and runs the length of the field. Panthers chase but to no avail! Raiders 32-24 kick to come.

76: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANBERRA RAIDERS
Conversion attempt by Jarrod Croker successful.
Croker ices the game. Canberra now lead 34-24.

78: Great defence Baptiste, forces Soward in goal. Drop out Panthers.

79: McCrone grubbers it hits the post and everybody runs past! Panthers dive on the ball.

79: Leilua gets a deflected pass and tries to kicks for Rapana. He puts a foot on the line.

80: Fulltime at Penrith and it's the Green Machine the winners 34-24 over the Panthers.