Rabbitohs cool in the heat

Fulltime score: Round 5 Rabbitohs 37 v Knights 12

Match summary:

In front of 16,162 screaming patrons in Gosford, the Rabbitohs have totally dominated the Newcastle Knights to win by 37-12.

In a very polished performance the South Sydney Rabbitohs led from the start to finish in hot, bright sunshine at the Central Coast Stadium.

An intense game to start with, once the Rabbitohs found their footing there was no stopping them. Up at the break by 24-6, the worry of the Rabbitohs breaking down as they did against the Warriors in Round 4, proved to be real as the Knights came back early in the second half and looked to be making metres at will.

Back on the scoring sheet midway through the second half, the Rabbitohs turned the game around to their advantage and never looked back, finishing the game off in style to the delight of the crowd.

A top kicking game by both Williams and Walker for the Rabbitohs more often than not had the Knights players on the ropes.

With the hopeful return of Buderus next weekend for the match against the Warriors, the Newcastle side can only hope to learn from their errors and move on to find the form they so desperately need. The Rabbitohs with their patient football shown this afternoon will look forward to their match against the Panthers at Aussie Stadium.

Score details: RABBITOHS 37 Tries: Fletcher, Minichiello 2, Bell, Faalogo, Marteene Goals: Williams 6/6 CON, Williams 1/1 FG defeated KNIGHTS 12 Tries: Tighe, M Gidley Goals: Johns 2/2

Central Coast Stadium Crowd: 16,162 Referee: Paul Simpkins

By the clock: One team with just one win this season so far, another team yet to grab the elusive 2 points in 2005. The game at Gosford this afternoon will be tough in front of a packed stadium

0 min: Kick off in bright sunny conditions on the Central Coast

5th min: NEWS - The Knights side of old look to have turned up to play today. Yet to score, but certainly a solid start. The Souths defence holding well though.

10th min: NEWS - A try bombed at each end of the field but both sides have the determination. 0-0

12th min: TRY - RABBITOHS Both sides have been making the metres on attack. Back to back penalties for Souths. A kick early in the tackle count 10 metres out from the Souths line surprises the opposition and Fletcher goes through to score. Williams gets the conversion. Rabbitohs 6-0

14th min: TRY - RABBITOHS After stopping a certain try at the other end of the field, the Rabbitohs back themselves once more. A hint of a forward pass from Williams to a flying Minichiello is not picked up and he dots down under the posts. Williams converts. Rabbitohs 12-0

23rd min: NEWS - Souths looking dangerous all the time, playing patient football. The Knights defence holding well at this stage, but conditions are very humid.

26th min: TRY - KNIGHTS Three sets of six for the Knights close to their line finally brings some points to the board. Quigley throws a beautiful cut out ball to Tighe who finally on his third attempt at the line, comes up with a four-pointer. Johns from the sideline looking into the sun, kicks a beauty. Rabbitohs 12-6

32nd min: TRY - RABBITOHS Williams is having a blinder. A damaging offload by Polglase to Williams sets up Souths with a huge overlap and the spitfire Bell is over in the corner. Williams from the sideline shows he can do what Johns can do. Rabbitohs 18-6

35th min: NEWS - 3 huge kicks by Walker (Souths) in this half have not quite been 40/20's but have put the Knights on their back feet

36th min: TRY - RABBITOHS Walker's kick proves it's worth as the Newcastle side make a mistake close to the South's line. Minichiello close to the line runs hard and straight and reaches out for the try. Williams converts. Rabbitohs 24-6

HALFTIME: The confidence has grown in the Rabbitohs side as the game has gone on. They lead 24-6 at the break and lead the field to a standing ovation from their numerous supporters in Gosford

Second half underway...

45th min: NEWS - The Souths defence has continued on from the first half, in the faces of the Knights players. Newcastle starting to open the game up a bit with no results this half so far

48th min: TRY - KNIGHTS Polglase (Rabbitohs) looked to have intercepted as the Knights were on attack. Called back and the ball given to the Knights, Matt Gidley gets across the tryline with ease. Johns adds the extra points. Rabbitohs 24-12

56th min: TRY - RABBITOHS After the Knights looked to be working their way back into the game, the Rabbitohs end up with a set of six close to their line. Working the ball and forwards across the field, Faalogo stretches out to ground the ball for a try. Williams from 20 metres in, keeps the kicking at 100% for the game. Rabbitohs 30-12

63rd min: NEWS - Souths have worked their way back into the match after seemingly easing off from the break. A penalty kick by Johns (Knights) going dead in goal is starting the extent of their frustration. Rabbitohs hold their lead by 30-12

67th min: 40/20 - KNIGHTS Johns redeems himself from his last kick which was a shocker, to punt the ball a good 80 metres down the field. Unfortunately he knocks on in the scrum base, Souths have possession

69th min: FIELD GOAL - RABBITOHS Excellent go forward by Souths to get close enough for Williams to net a very easy field goal. Rabbitohs 31-12

74th min: NO TRY - KNIGHTS K Gidley (Knights) bounces the ball just short of the line as it looked as though they were in for more points. The commitment by the Souths defenders on the mark this afternoon. Rabbitohs 31-12

78th min: TRY - RABBBITOHS They started the game with style and have finished off in similar fashion. Go forward once again pays off with Minichiello putting in a great kick to the corner for Marteene to pounce on. Williams from the sideline shaves the inside of the post for a top conversion. Rabbitohs 37-12

FULLTIME: The Rabbitohs led from start to finish and thoroughly deserve their win over the Knights by 37-12.

----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - J Williams (Rabbitohs) 2 - M Minichiello (Rabbitohs) 1 - B Fletcher (Rabbitohs) -----------------------------------------