Panthers v Broncos preview
2 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
A tough, exciting battle at Penrith Stadium tonight in front of nearly 20,000 screaming fans, has seen the defending Premiers lose to a very determined Knights outfit, by 20-14.
With conditions a little slippery from earlier rain, ball retention was very important. Unfortunately this coupled with some great defence from the Newcastle side, had the Panthers struggling to hold onto their possession at crucial times in their attack.
Great combinations between Kurt Gidley, Danny Buderus and Andrew Johns on many occasions had the Panthers defence on the back foot, moreso in the first half, but only had a narrow lead of 8-6.
A lot more urgency by both sides in the second half saw the scoreline steadily increase. A lot of defence needed by the Newcastle side as the Penrith Panthers, with the weight of possession, launched attack after attack. The tiring defence held on long enough to win their side the match.
For the first match of the season, it was a very good spectacle, a tough hard battle.
Leagueunlimited Players of the match:
3 - D Buderus (Knights) 2 - K Gidley (Knights) 1 - B Kennedy (Knights)
Penrith Football Stadium, Crowd: 19,936 Referee: Tim Mander Video Referee: Graeme West
Scorers: PANTHERS 14 Tries: Campbell, Rooney Goals: Campbell (3/4) defeated by KNIGHTS 20 Tries: Buderus, Tahu, Quinn, K Gidley Goals: Johns (2/4)
By the clock:
What a game to start 2004. Will the 2003 Premier Panthers carry on their winning way, or will the Knights spoil their party? A fantastic crowd greets the players
0 min: Kick off in the 2004 NRL competition!
1st min: NEWS - Early nerves for the Knights, and the ball lost forward gives great field position to the Panthers
2nd min: PENALTY GOAL - Campbell (Panthers) kicks the first points of 2004. A kick from out in front following the Knights penalized for holding down in the tackle. Panthers 2-0
6th min: NEWS - A tentative start now by both sides, both completing their sets and giving nothing away
8th min: NEWS - Following a penalty for the Knights, great field position. The Knights knock on close to their try line and Wesser takes off for the Panthers only to be called back for a double knock on. Panthers lead 2-0
13th min: TRY - Buderus (Knights). Another penalty to give the Knights great field position. A great dummy by Buderus and he's over for the first try in the 2004 competition. Johns from 20 metres in, misses the conversion to the delight of the crowd. Knights 4-2
18th min: TRY - Tahu (Knights). Quick plays by the Knights team, and very quick hands to spread the ball out wide to Tahu who nips past his marker to score the try. Johns misses another conversion this time a little wider out. Knights 8-2
24th min: NEWS - Ross (Knights) off the field injured with a torn calf muscle
28th min: NEWS - A lot of misdirected passes from both sides sees great opportunities break down. Slippery conditions on the field certainly isn't helping their cause
30th min: TRY - Campbell (Panthers). After some excellent defence by the Knight, liitle Preston Campbell manages to slip through the tackler to score. Campbell's conversion just shaves the outer post and misses. Knights 8-6
33rd min: NEWS - Johns (Knights) close to scoring after another fantastic effort by Buderus at dummy half. The video ref deems Johns to have lost the ball over the line, 20 metre restart to the Panthers
35th min: NEWS - New rules as Pridis (Panthers) is held up over the tryline on tackle four. Play comes back 10 metres, and the Panthers resume play with one tackle left. Unfortunately no try eventuates. Knights still lead 8-6
HALFTIME - A tough battle up front. Some gruelling defence needed. Both hookers running from dummy half are causing a bit of mischief. Knights lead 8-6
42th min: news - Howland (Panthers) out of the game with a corked thigh
46th min: PENALTY GOAL - Campbell (Panthers) from almost out in front following a high shot seen by the video ref, by Woolnough. The incident is on report. 8-8
48th min: TRY - Quinn (Knights). A horrible bounce at the kick off gave possession straight to the Knights who made good use of it. The Knights looked good spreading the ball wide, and Quinn was over out wide. Johns with his most difficult kick of the night, nails it. Knights 14-8
52nd min: TRY - K Gidley (Knights). Two mistakes by the Panthers led to a very simple try for Gidley through some very soft defence. Johns from 18 metres in from touch has found his kicking boots and adds 2 more points. Knights 20-8
59th min: NEWS - Panthers hot on attack with 4 sets in a row. At this stage the Knights defence has scrambled well, and kept the Panthers at bay
61st min: TRY - Rooney (Panthers). The defence finally gives with Gower putting a beaut little kick through for Rooney out wide. Campbell 10 metres in from touch, gets a beauty. Knights 20-14
68th min: NEWS - The Knights just absorbed wave after wave of attack by Penrith. Some very tired players out on the field. The Newcastle side still lead 20-14
70th min: NEWS - Johns (Knights) apparently suffering from cramp has the game stopped, a good time for a breather
74th min: NEWS - A bad call by Mander claiming Gower (Panthers) knocked on, give the Knights great centre field position for the 1 pointer. Johns gives it a shot and misses. Knights hang on 20-14
FULL TIME - Try as they may, the Penrith Panthers just couldn't get through the solid Newcastle defence. The Knights take out the game, 20-14