Knights finally win over St
George/Illawarra

A good crowd of 17,621 at Energy Australia Stadium witnessed an absorbing game with the Newcastle Knights defeating the St George Illawarra Dragons 24-16. Its the first win in four games over the merged club.

The first half saw the ball going from end to end in the first 20 minutes before Ryles (pictured) for the Dragons scored the first try of the match. And then again, the Knights did not manage to get across the line, until the 36th minute. Just going to show what a tight game it was.

The half time lead was 8-6 to the Knights, a fair indication of the half.

The second half was very much the same as the first half, with end to end stuff, and tit for tat in the scoring. Not to mention, penalties, with referee Simpkins happy to blow the whistle.

Stand out players were Bailey for the Dragons, Buderus and Kurt Gidley for the Knights

A very tense end to a brilliant game. If this is the way teams are going to play going into the finals, then happily we have a lot of great rugby league ahead of us over the next few weeks.

7:30PM, Friday 02 August 2002 EnergyAustralia Stadium - Crowd: 17,621 Referee: P Simpkins

Knights 24 - Dragons 16

Newcastle Knights (Tries: M Gidley, Tahu x2,Woolnough. Goals: Johns 4/5)

St George Illawarra Dragons (Tries: Ryles, Gasnier x2. Goals: Gorrell 1/1, Riddell 1/2)