Simply superb Storm strangle persistent Panthers

v BYE

In arguably the best defensive performance of 2017 the Storm have repelled a consistently threatening Penrith outfit 28-6 in an effort which is sure to see their Premiership favouritism only gain momentum.

It was going to be a considerable test for the Panthers when they came up against the undefeated Storm at a ground in which they are yet to win at.

It honestly seemed unfair as the Storm opened the Saturday night clash in professional fashion. A perfect completion rate saw Melbourne build pressure early. Penrith were looking quite comfortable in defence only for a smart flick from Will Chambers finding Suliasi Vunivalu out wide in the 7th minute.

The following sets from the Panthers seemingly had the same ending every time - with Vunivalu easily securing bomb after bomb. Unable to build any real pressure, Cameron Smith showed the Panthers how it was done when he forced a repeat set in the 18th minute. Off that Penrith's left edge failed to slide fast enough as Chambers strolled through for a try of his own.

A bit of luck went Penrith's way in the 24th minute with six to go called and with that Te Maire Martin danced through the defence to cross for an important try.

From there it would be all the Panthers in attack, camping themselves in Melbourne's own half for practically the rest of the game, mainly due to some ill-discipline on the home side's part. Yet, the Melbourne defence held strong and as a result they gave themselves a couple of chances down Penrith's left-edge in the dying minutes of the first half only for Vunivalu to drop it and relieve pressure.

The second half, however, opened in the worst possible fashion for Penrith. The Panthers thought they had pulled off a big play when they regathered the ball of the kick off. Yet a penalty was ruled and some sloppy defence saw Dale Finucane burst through and link with Cooper Cronk who would race away to land an early blow. Then Finucane's hard work was undone with an error which gifted Penrith a chance to immediately respond. They looked like they had with Moses Leota busting a tackle and crashing over - only to drop it short on the line.

It would be Finucane who would drop it again minutes later but it was the same outcome with Penrith looking threatening but still failing to crack Melbourne's line. It was basically the whole story of the game as a few consecutive penalties and lucky six tackles calls saw the Panthers recieve even more chances to post points. Yet, still, Melbourne's defence would not budge. On the other hand, Melbourne's first real chance on the back of a relieving penalty would see them add to the deficit straight away courtesy of a Smith penalty goal.

And again, the Storm handed the Panthers another opportunity, this time Nelson Asofa-Solomona came up with the error. Yet, finally, the away side looked to have made something out of it when Whare crossing out wide off a bizarre last tackle play. Enter the Bunker - unfortunately for Penrith, a Tamou knock on was found in the lead up. The Panthers were still getting all the luck they could afford with back to back six again calls of some enterprising yet pretty unorganised last tackle plays and Martin looked to have scored a double in similar fashion to his first half try. It was sent up to the Bunker, yet once again the Panthers were denied with Martin losing it agonisingly close to the line. It proved a crucial decision. Off the scrum Josh Addo-Carr would be given an early ball and showcased his blistering speed as he raced away to break Penrith's heart and wrap up the victory for Melbourne.

Vunivalu would cross late for a double to put the score out to 28-6, reflecting the sheer defensive brilliance of the Melbourne side. Unfortunately for Penrith, despite looking likely to score on multiple occasions they only have six points to show for it.

It was a quite incredible victory for the Storm seeing that they made 13 errors, conceded 12 penalties and missed a whopping 47 tackles. And to top it all off - Penrith had 70% of the ball between the 20th and 70th minute.

It certainly does not bode well for any side in the competition looking to somehow snap Melbourne's unbeaten streak. The Sharks get a shot next week when they travel to Melbourne for the Grand Final rematch on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Panthers get the chance to bounce back next Friday night against the Rabbitohs at Pepper Stadium.