Broncos buck Roosters in Good Friday win

Round 4 - Full Time :: April 6th, 2007 Broncos 32 defeated Roosters 10

The Brisbane Broncos have posted their first win of 2007 with a comprehensive 32-10 victory over the Sydney Roosters at a rain drenched Aussie Stadium tonight.

Played in front of a Good Friday crowd of over 11,000 people, the reigning premiers led 16-6 at half time before some Darren Lockyer brilliance put the match beyond doubt mid way through the second half.

Brisbane opened the scoring in the 11th minute through full back Karmichael Hunt after the Roosters defence opened up from close range.

Winger Steve Michaels scored the first of his two tries soonafter and after 20 minutes, the visiting Broncos were 10-0 in front.

Hooker Shaun Berrigan put the Broncos further ahead, scoring in good position following a break from half way from star centre Justin Hodges.

The Roosters finally struck back through Shaun Kenny-Dowall, the rookie winger scoring his first try in first grade courtesy of a clever intercept and a run of some 70 metes.

At half time, the Broncos led 16-6.

With a Sydney southerly turning into heavy rain after the break, the Broncos extended their lead through forward Greg Eastwood after his skipper Darren Lockyer ran at the flat-footed defensive line.

The Roosters showed some class in the 51st minute when Joel Monaghan scored out wide after five-eighth Braith Anasta and fullback Anthony Minichiello combined in the backline, Anasta and Minichiello probably the best in a losing side.

But the Monaghan try came at a price with the centre being forced off with ligament damage, and likely to be sidelined for several weeks.

Lockyer then put the Broncos into a winning position in the 62nd minute with a simple chase onto a grubber kick from half back Shane Perry, the try giving the Broncos a 26-10 break.

A double to Michaels late in the match and sideline conversion from Lockyer put the icing on the Broncos first win of the season.

The Roosters remain winless in 2007.

Sydney Roosters 10 Tries: Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joel Monaghan Goals: Craig Fitzgibbon (1/2) Brisbane Broncos 32 Tries: Karmichael Hunt, Steve Michaels (2), Shaun Berrigan, Greg Eastwood, Darren Lockyer Goals: Darren Lockyer (4/6), Michael Ennis (0/1)

Venue: Aussie Stadium Kick off: 07:30 PM Referee: Paul Simpkins Crowd: 11,476

League Unlimited Live Commentary Great night at Aussie Stadium in Sydney for tonight's Good Friday clash between the Roosters and the Broncos. A healthy breeze coming in from the south. Both teams looking to notch up their first win of 2007.

Kick off soon... Players coming onto the field...

Broncos kick off and the first half is underway....!

3 min: Obstruction call against the Roosters and the Broncos get a penalty while defending close to their own line. Comes on the back of fumble from the Broncos following a high kick from the Roosters into the swirling breeze.

5 min: Touch judge runs in - late tackle from Roosters forward Danny Nutley on Shane Perry and Broncos get a penalty from close range.

6 min: ATTEMPTED PENALTY GOAL Brisbane Broncos Lockyer's kick goes well wide. Only 10 or 15m wide of the sticks and well within range. 0 all

11 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos Karmichael Hunt scores. Lockyer combines in the backline from 15m out to send the ball wide and Hunt runs through a yawning gap to score 15m in from touch. Conversion attempt by Darren Lockyer successful. Brisbane Broncos 6-0

20 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos Steve Michaels scores out wide after the Roosters are simply guilty of a poor defensive read out wide. Roosters fans have a right to feel frustrated as their team has played well but have been guilty of some ordinary lapses in concentration, The Broncos on the other hand are getting a bit of roll on now and are growing confidence. Conversion attempt by Darren Lockyer unsuccessful. Brisbane Broncos 10-0

27 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos Shaun Berrigan scores almost under the posts after Justin Hodges breaks them open from around half way. Broncos carving them up now. Conversion attempt by Darren Lockyer successful. Brisbane Broncos 16-0

34 min: HELD UP - Roosters barging at the Broncos line. Close on two occasions but no points. Broncos defend well and survive.

39 min: TRY Sydney Roosters Rookie Shaun Kenny-Dowell intecepts and run 70m to score his first try in first grade. Craig Fitzgibbon converts from the sideline and Easts fans have something to cheer about. Brisbane Broncos 16-6

Half time: Broncos 16-6 Broncos dominating with around 58% possession. Justin Hodges playing out of his skin with some magical play for the Broncos and the whole Brisbane pack seemingly getting on top. Roosters just battling to hang on at times, the try from Shaun Kenny-Dowell right on half time giving them some hope. Braith Anasta is put in a good kicking display early on while Anthony Minichiello at fullback is probably the best for the Roosters.

Second half underway... Little bit of rain about.

45 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos Back rower Greg Eastwood scores out wide. Movement begins with Darren Lockyer who runs at the line from half way to meet a lazy defence before offloading to right side support. Conversion attempt by Michael Ennis unsuccessful. Brisbane Broncos 20-6

51 min: TRY Sydney Roosters Joel Monaghan scores out wide after a beaut back line movement with Anasta and Minichiello combining. Monaghan looks to have pulled up favouring his ankle. Conversion attempt by Craig Fitzgibbon unsuccessful. Brisbane Broncos 20-10

52 min: Joel Monaghan straight into the sheds. Looks to have done a hammy. Amos Roberts is on. Rain getting heavier.

55 min: Rain now pelting down. Roosters on the attack and they earn a repeat set. Broncos line drop out.

59 min: Possible TRY Roosters.

NO TRY - Roosters half back Mitchell Pearce tries to scoop up his own kick-through but is short of the line in grounding.

62 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos Lockyer scores under the posts after Shane Perry grubbers. Crowd booing at a possible forward pass missed in previous ruck but it was a poor reading from the Roosters defence who stood back while Lockyer raced through. Broncos celebrate knowing that they are in a winning position. Conversion attempt by Darren Lockyer successful. Brisbane Broncos 26-10

64 min: News from sheds is that Joel Monaghan for the Roosters has ligament damage and is out for a minimum of three weeks.

70 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos Micheals gets a double after the Broncos press the line from a few metres out, scoring out wide as the defence is simply struggling to mark up. Conversion attempt by Darren Lockyer is a ripper. Brisbane Broncos 32-10

77 min: Amos Roberts forced into the corner post as the Roosters come close to scoring.

Full time: Broncos win 32-10 Six tries to two. Defending premiers Broncos post their first win of the year. Roosters tried hard at times but they are looking down the barrell of last place and are struggling for competition credibility. LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Darren Lockyer (Broncos) 2 Points: Petero Civoniceva (Broncos) 1 Point: Justin Hodges (Broncos)