Roosters cause upset over Dragons

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The Sydney Roosters have caused an upset at Allianz Stadium with a 14-0 victory over the St. George Illawarra Dragons in front of 12,580 fans. The Dragons ahead to Allianz Stadium with hopes to entering the NRL top eight, however the Roosters put a dashed their hopes with a good performance.

It was a typical opening battle between the two sides with no points conceded in the first 20 minutes.
Joseph Leilua recieved a short pass to run back on the angle to slide through the defence untouched to score an easy four-pointer. Braith Anasta extended the lead with a simple conversion, Roosters 6-0.

Man of the match Mitchell Pearce was a top finisher tonight as he claimed a hat trick of tries to guide his side to victory. Brad Takairangi kept the ball alive to set up Pearce for his first try. Roosters head at the half time break 12-0.

The Roosters posted first points in the second half with a penalty goal from Anasta after Matt Prior was penalised for not clearing the ruck.  
 
The Dragons needed something to fall their way and it did come the 56th minute with Rooster Joseph Leilua sin binned for a professional foul. As the Roosters were down to 12 men, the Dragons managed to cross the whitewash twice in four minutes. 
 
Credit to Nathan Fien as he attempted to create opportunities for his side with several plays. However, a short pass to Matt Prior saw his teammate crash through the line to post first points for the Dragons. 
 
Ben Creagh has not seen his name on the board many times in 2012, but thanks to a Fien kick he plucked it out of the air to crash down for points. So, with 20 minutes on the clock the Dragons remained hopeful at 14-10. 
 
A controversial call in the 73rd minute saw no video referee decision for the Roosters as Mitchell Pearce scored his second. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck created the play with a massive 60 metre run, but the controversy stemmed from Tuivasa-Sheck grouding the ball in the in goal but no call of grounded came. 
 
The Roosters had the final say in the contest as Mitchell Pearce ran the support line to take an Anthony Minichiello pass to score his third try. The Roosters finished victors over the Dragons with a 26-10 win. 
 
The Bondi boys with a slight chance of making the finals as the march ahead to a game next week against the Parramatta Eels. While the Dragons will hope to bounce back with their battle with the Wests Tigers.


Match Details
Sydney Roosters 26 defeated St George Illawarra Dragons 10
National Rugby League - Round 22 - Friday August 3, 2012 7:45pm
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Referee: Matt Cecchin and Gavin Morris
Video Referee: Paul Simpkins
Touch Judges: Adam Reid and Luke Potter
Crowd: 12,580
Halftime: Sydney Roosters 12 St George Illawarra Dragons 0

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 Points - Mitchell Pearce (3 Tries)
2 Points - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
1 Point - Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Sydney Roosters (26)
Tries: Mitchell Pearce (3), Joseph Leilua
Conversions: Braith Anasta (4/4)
Penalty Goals: Braith Anasta (1/1)

St George Illawarra Dragons (10)
Tries: Ben Creagh, Matt Prior
Conversions: Ben Hornby (1/1), Chase Stanley (0/1)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Welcome to League Unlimited's coverage of Friday Night Football LIVE from Allianz Stadium. Just the single game tonight as we bring you coverage of Sydney Roosters hosting the Dragons. The Dragons are looking to jump into the top 8 tonight with a victory and the Roosters hope to avoid the wooden spoon

IN TEAM NEWS, The Roosters are without Lama Tasi who is replaced by Brad Takairangi. Mitchell Aubusson is called up into the starting side with Arona moving to bench.

Meanwhile for the Dragons they are 1-17, no changes.
Both sides returning into the sheds ahead of this clash to get the final words from their coaches. We are minutes away from kick off.
1 min: We are UNDERWAY with Chase Stanley kicking off for the Dragons.
3 min: Jason Nightingale shadowed the ball over the dead ball line off the SKD kick to the in goal area. The call against the Dragons as they give the Roosters a line drop out.
4 min: Dragons goal line defence holding strong as Brett Morris claims the Mitchell Pearce cross field kick. the Dragons come up with possession as a result on their 10 metre line.
5 min: Nathan Fien from well inside his 40 metre line stabs the kick downfield to come up with a 40/20 kick fro the Dragons. Big chance for the Dragons to claim first points.
6 min: Mitchell Pearce penalised for not being square at marker and he played at the ball in the hands of Nightingale. So, the Dragons with possession inside the Roosters 10 metre line.
9 min: UNFORCED ERROR St George Illawarra Dragons
Dan Hunt makes an unforced error as he took the ball into the tackle and looked to offload. The Roosters come up with possession through a scrum feed on their 20 metre line.
11 min: Penalty awarded a penalty for Ben Creagh being in an offside position as he took the falcon from Nightingale. Roosters attacking inside the Dragons red zone
11 min: Body Cornder has palmed the ball away off the Jake Friend pass and the Dragons come up with it and escape without conceding points.
17 min: After a line drop out from the Roosters, Brett Morris had a little space down the sideline but was forced over the touchline before the goal line. Scrum feed to the Roosters on their 10 metre line.
19 min: Matt Prior in the tackle of Braith Anasta drops the ball and gives the Roosters a scrum feed inside the Dragons half.
20 min: TRY
TRY Sydney Roosters
Scored by Joseph Leilua. Conversion attempt by Braith Anasta successful.

Joseph Leilua ran back on the angle at the line to slide through the defence untouched to score an easy four-pointer to kick the points off. Braith Anasta converts from in front
Sydney Roosters 6-0
23 min: KNOCK ON! Nathan Green attempted to take the kick from Nathan Fien but he unable to catch it. Roosters survive without points conceded, 20 metre restart for the Roosters.
27 min: UNFORCED ERROR St George Illawarra Dragons
Nathan Fien took the pass but coughed it up in the same movement as he failed to hold it. The Roosters lucky not to concede points as the Dragons almost cracked the defensive line.
34 min: Penalty to the Dragons for an attempt at slow down in the ruck from the Dragons. Nathan Fien takes the touch finder and the Dragons have their sets starting on halfway.
36 min: Penalty to the Roosters for a shepherd run from Fien. Things getting heated with Fien down injured
38 min: UNFORCED ERROR St George Illawarra Dragons
Daniel Vidot makes an unforced error as he hoped to take an intercept pass but unable to take it. More pressure on the Dragons with a Roosters scrum feed on the 10 metre line.
40 min: TRY
TRY Sydney Roosters
Scored by Mitchell Pearce. Conversion attempt by Braith Anasta unsuccessful.

SKD set the play up as he cleaned up the loose ball from the Dragons. Mitchell Pearce on the end of the play as he took the Takairangi offloaded to send Pearce over. Braith with the conversion attempt make it 12 points
Sydney Roosters 12-0
40 min: HALF TIME here at Allianz Stadium sees the Dragons on the back foot behind on the scoreboard 12-0 with the Roosters finding some form.
Second half about to get started with both sides exiting the tunnel
41 min: We are GO for the SECOND HALF: Roosters 12 lead Dragons 0 - Roosters kicking off with Braith Anasta
41 min: Well Well well - Nathan Fien has knocked the ball on from the kick off. Roosters with a line drop out
41 min: TIME OFF! Martin Kennedy has collected Josh Miller. He is getting attention from trainers
41 min: Josh Miller will remain on the field despite looking wobbly on the legs. Roosters with the ball, 20 metres out
42 min: Penalty against Matt Prior so it's time for the Roosters to extend the lead after a slow down in the ruck from the Dragons
42 min: PENALTY GOAL Dewsbury Rams (NL1)
PENALTY GOAL Sydney Roosters
Penalty goal attempt by Braith Anasta successful after Matt Prior slowed down the ruck
Sydney Roosters 14-0
45 min: UNFORCED ERROR Sydney Roosters
Tautau Moga makes an unforced error and the Dragons get another set inside the Roosters side of halfway, attacking 20 metres out.
46 min: Roosters caught in goal off the Fien kick. Dragons get a line drop here and their 3rd repeat set
47 min: UNFORCED ERROR Sydney Roosters
Tautau Moga leapt for the ball off the kick from Nathan Fien and got a touch to the ball before Vidot. As a result the Dragons get another shot at the Roosters line with a scrum feed on the 10 metre line.
49 min: Brett Morris is called back from scoring his try after the pass from Nightingale was deemed to go forward. Roosters hold on and get a scrum feed on their 10 metre line.
50 min: Time off here with Aiden Guerra coming off the field with an ankle injury from the Cameron King tackle
51 min: UNFORCED ERROR Sydney Roosters
Anthony Minichiello ruled to have first touch on the ball in the high ball contest. Double knock on the call and the Dragons have a scrum feed inside the Roosters 10 metre line.
52 min: Penalty to the Dragons from the scrum as the ruck too slow for the referees liking with the Roosters laying down too long.
53 min: Penalty to the Roosters against the Dragons for an obstruction play from Dan Hunt
54 min: SIN BIN
Joseph Leilua is sent to the sin bin for a professional foul.
56 min: TRY
TRY St George Illawarra Dragons
Scored by Matt Prior. Conversion attempt by Chase Stanley unsuccessful.

Matt Prior took the pass from Nathan Fien to stroll through the Roosters defence who were down a defender. Chase Stanley pushed the conversion attempt across the face of goal.
Sydney Roosters 14-4
60 min: TRY
TRY St George Illawarra Dragons
Scored by Ben Creagh. Conversion attempt by Chase Stanley successful.

Ben Creagh plucked the ball out of the air off the Nathan Fien kick. An amazing take from Ben Creagh to give the Dragons a chance to steal this game. Chase Stanley sacked from the kicking duties and Ben Hornby with an easy attempt at conversion adds the extras
Sydney Roosters 14-10
63 min: Brett Morris has been denied again with a massive forward pass as the Dragons look for space on the left hand side
65 min: Joseph Leilua is back on the field and gets straight back in the play by putting it over sideline. Dragons get the scrum feed on their own 10 metre line.
66 min: WOW! Mini has dropped it trying to get out of goal. VIDEO REFEREE for the Dragons
66 min: No try the decision and Braith Smith takes a breathe after Minichiello almost cost them the game. Line drop out for the Dragons.
67 min: Nathan Fien stabs the kick through and it goes touch in goal. Roosters escape and get the 20 metre tap.
67 min: Nathan Green through it had a try before getting over the line. Knock on and Roosters have it. Green failed to hold the ball and the Roosters work it off their goal line.
72 min: TRY
TRY Sydney Roosters
Scored by Mitchell Pearce. Conversion attempt by Braith Anasta successful.

The Roosters seal the win after Roger Tuivasa-Sheck provided the foundation for the points with a massive run. He passed inside to Mitchell Pearce to race away and score under the posts for his second.
Sydney Roosters 20-10
78 min: TRY
TRY Sydney Roosters
Scored by Mitchell Pearce. Conversion attempt by Braith Anasta successful.

Mitchell Pearce dives over for his third try of the night. he has been on the end of everything tonight. He took the Minichiello pass to stroll through the gap to score. Anasta converts to make it a 16 point lead.
Sydney Roosters 26-10
80 min: FULL TIME at Allianz Stadium the Roosters have caused an upset with a 26-10 victory over the Dragons.

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