Panthers come from behind to win Flegg grand final

Match Summary The Penrith Panthers have defeated the Parramatta Eels 19-14 in the Jersey Flegg grand final at Telstra Stadium this afternoon.

In a game where the Eels led for the majority of the match, it was the brilliance of Jarrod Sammut that proved the difference.

Both sides scored three tries a piece but the goal kicking of Sammut and a try in the 65th minute proved to be the difference between the two sides. A last second field goal from Sammut was the icing on the cake for the Panthers, and another bitter pill for the Eels.

Until then it was the Eels who were in control but they did nothing when in the lead and only have themselves to blame for being so negative when the game was there for the taking.

Match Details Jersey Flegg Grand Final - Full Time :: September 30th, 2007 02:00 PM Venue: Telstra Stadium Referee: Gerard Sutton Half time: Panthers 12-10

Parramatta Eels 14 Tries: Jonathan Wright, Zac Russ, Justin Hunt Goals: Trent Hodkinson (1/2) Penrith Panthers 19 Tries: Wade Graham, Sam McKendry, Jarrod Sammut Field Goals: Jarrod Sammut (1/1) Goals: Jarrod Sammut (3/3)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Jarrod Sammut (Panthers) 2 Points: Justin Hunt (Eels) 1 Point: Trent Hodkinson (Eels)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary 1 min: We are underway in the Jersey Flegg grand final.

5 min: Parramatta attacking the Panthers line but the Panthers hold fast with relative ease.

9 min: Parramatta looking strong early on and are starting to get some offloads going against a Panthers defence on its heels at the moment.

13 min: The Eels last play options have been poor so far and the Panthers haven't been much better. Still might be the nerves getting to the players but it is also very warm on the pitch today.

15 min: TRY Parramatta Eels The Eels are in and have looked the stronger side thus far. A grubber ricocheted for Wright and he was on the spot to clean up and score the first try in the Jersey Flegg grand final. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful. Parramatta Eels 6-0

21 min: Penrith knock on right on their line and they are under the pump at the moment and if the Eels score again here, it will be a big ask from the Panthers to reel them in.Parramatta Eels 6-0

23 min: TRY Parramatta Eels The Eels are in again, through winger Zac Russ. A great cut out pass put him over in the corner and the Panthers are really struggling at the moment. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson unsuccessful. Parramatta Eels 10-0

30 min: TRY Penrith Panthers The Panthers are in through a great pass right on the Eels line and now we have a real game on our hands. Conversion attempt by Jarrod Sammut successful. Parramatta Eels 10-6

33 min: TRY Penrith Panthers The Panthers are in again through a bullocking run by McKendry and now the Eels are starting to show signs of fatigue in the latter stages of the first half. Conversion attempt by Jarrod Sammut successful. Penrith Panthers 12-10

36 min: We are underway in the second half.

38 min: Panthers are denied what looked to be a fair try by the in-goal referee. Looked a very close but the Eels given the benefit of the doubt.

42 min: TRY Parramatta Eels The Eels are back in front through five eighth Justin Hunt. The Panthers defence held off Hunt and he had enough evasiveness to get through and score for the Eels. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson unsuccessful. Parramatta Eels 14-12

46 min: The Eels again are looking ominous and the Panthers are looking tired. Still 25 minutes to go and only two points between the two sides but the Eels are looking stronger at the moment.

53 min: Eels fullback stripped of the ball and the Panthers were away but the referee ruled there were two players in the tackle and the Eels are off the hook.

54 min: The Eels are caught with the ball on the last tackle but they still have good field position.

60 min: The Eels are playing no frills footy at the moment and it's working against the Panthers, who are showing no urgency and with ten minutes remaining, they need to pick up the pace if they are to win this grand final.

63 min: With under eight minutes remaining the Eels are coasting at the moment and the Panthers don't look like scoring at the moment. There is still only two points in this match so it could come down to the last minute to decide the winner.

65 min: TRY Penrith Panthers Penrith are back in front after Jarrod Sammut cleaned up a loose kick in the Eels in-goal to put the Panthers back in front and with only five minutes to play, the Panthers may get out of jail and win the grand final. Conversion attempt by Jarrod Sammut successful. Penrith Panthers 18-14

70 min: FIELD GOAL Penrith Panthers Jarrod Sammut puts an exclamation mark on the Panthers win with a last second field goal to rub salt into the Eels wound. Penrith Panthers 19-14