Panthers score narrow victory over
Warriors

Fulltime score: Round 8 Warriors 14 v Panthers 16

Match summary: The Penrith Panthers have held on to score a narrow 16-14 victory over the New Zealand Warriors.

With a big home crowd on hand at Ericsson Stadium, the Warriors were the first to score when back rower Karl Temata scored a try on the back some enterprising play.

Penrith struck back midway through the first half when centre Ben Pomeroy scored out wide and coming up the break, the scores were locked up at 4-all.

But a try to centre Todd Byrne in the 39th minute saw the match swing back in favour of the home side and at half time, the Warriors held a handy 10-4 lead.

The second half remained a tussle until the 50th minute when Penrith powerhouse Trent Waterhouse charged towards the line, only to fall short by the narrowest of margins. Fullback Rhys Wesser then forced his way through from dummy half and with 30 minutes to go, it was 10-all.

Ten minutes later, an intercept and 90 metre run to the line saw winger Manu Vatuvei touch down to put the Warriors back in front.

But in the 65th minute, Penrith veteran Luke Priddis provided the difference when he kicked for himself and scored what turned out to be the match winner.

The Warriors mounted some attacking raids and with just minutes remaining, had a try disallowed when a desperate pass from half back Stacey Jones went forward.

Scorers: WARRIORS 14 Tries: K Temata, T Byrne, M Vatuvei Goals: S Jones 1/3 PANTHERS 16 Tries: B Pomeroy, R Wesser, L Priddis Goals: P Campbell 2/3

Ericsson Stadium Referee: Paul Simpkins

Live commentary: 1st min: Kick Off!!!

3rd Min: Try-Warriors. Some razzle dazzle play leads up to an early try to Karl Temata, Jones misses the kick at goal, Warriors 4-0.

12th Min: It's been all the Warriors but it's stll 4-0.

19th Min: No Change yet, still the Warriors leading 4-0.

22nd Min: Try-Penrith. Ben Pomeroy scores a try outwide and Campbell misses so it's 4 all.

39th Min: Try-Warriors. Just before halftime Todd Byrne goes into score a try for the Warriors outwide. Jones converts and it's 10-4 at halftime.

50th Min: Try-Penrith. Rhys Wesser scores through some weak Warriors defence and Campbell converts. 10 all.

58th Min: Possible Try to the Warriors denied and it remains 10-10.

61st Min: Try-Warriors. Intercept pass thrown by the Panthers and Manu Vatuvei runs 90m to put the Warriors in front. Jones misses. Warriors 14-10.

65th Min: Try-Penrith. Luke Priddis scores under the posts after he kicked for himself. Campbell scores and Penrith lead 16-14.

72nd Min: 8 Minutes left, still Penrith 16-14.

79th Min: Almost a last gasp Warriors victory but the pass went foward.

Fulltime: What a great game of Rugby League, Penrith winning 16-14. ----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - L Priddis (Penrith) 2 - R Wesser (Penrith) 1 - W Koopu (Warriors) -----------------------------------------