Defeat for Lions in last game

Penrith overpowered an injury-depleted Vodafone Auckland Lions side 38-16 in their New South Wales Premier League clash at CUA Stadium on Saturday night.

The Aucklanders were missing a number of key personnel, including back rowers Louis Anderson and Sonny Fai, who were both drafted into the Vodafone Warriors' NRL side, as was utility Todd Byrne.

Regular centre Aidan Kirk was also out with injury.

Facing one of the best sides in the competition, the Vodafone Auckland Lions were 4-22 down at halftime with just a try to fullback Patrick Ah Van to show for their efforts.

They fell 4-26 behind after the break before recovering through tries to back row forwards Lui Toimoana and Scott Jones.

But the hosts found more points in the back end of the match to consign the Vodafone Auckland Lions to their 13th defeat of the season. Depending on results across the final round, they could still finish their debut campaign in a creditable ninth place.

Match details:

At CUA Stadium, Penrith:

Vodafone Auckland Lions 16 (Patrick Ah Van, Lui Toimoana, Scott Jones tries; Tony Martin 2 conversions).

Penrith Panthers 38 (Matthew Forwood 3, Liam Georgetown, Josh Bateman, David Georgiou, Peter Wallace tries; Craig Trindall 5 conversions).

Halftime: 22-4 Panthers.