Roosters pip Tigers in high scoring affair

The Sydney Roosters have won a high scoring affair at the Sydney Football Stadium this afternoon, beating the Wests Tigers 44-32 in an entertaining affair. Fourteen tries were scored overall as two of the most entertaining teams in the competition put great attacking displays on.

The Tigers had all the start though, thanks to a good share of the possession. Benji Marshall strolled over early in the match, before a good set of passing saw Lote Tuqiri score his second try in as many weeks to give the Tigers a 12-0 advantage.

From there, the Roosters went about their business. It took an error from the Tigers to see Mitchell Pearce step and weave his way to send Mitchell Aubusson over the line. Aiden Guerra then crashed over for his second career try to give the Roosters a sniff. From there, the rest of the first half belonged to new Rooster Phil Graham. After scoring his first try in new colours, he chipped, chased and smartly grounded the ball to get a double, giving the Roosters a 20-12 advantage at the break.

The first period of the second half kept the score clicking over. Aiden Guerra crashed over for his second, then Aubusson repayed the favour by sending Mitchell Pearce over. Following a try to Anthony Minichiello, the Roosters were up 38-12.

A rare Todd Carney error enabled Blake Ayshford to score an easy try. Pearce took the ball from a rampaging Lopini Paea to put the Roosters in again, but from there the match was over for the Roosters, who were holding a 44-16 advantage.

Alan Stirnack, Andrew Fifita and Benji Marshall scored late tries to put the Roosters' scoreline back to earth, it'll be interesting to see what the coaches have to say.

Next week the Tigers host the Eels at the Sydney Football Stadium, whilst the Roosters play the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

Match Details Sydney Roosters 44 defeated Wests Tigers 32 National Rugby League - NRL - Round 2 - Sunday March 21, 2010 3:00pm Venue: Sydney Football Stadium Referee: Jared Maxwell and Gerard Sutton Video Referee: Paul Simpkins Touch Judges: David Abood and Paul Holland Crowd: 0 Halftime: Sydney Roosters 20 Wests Tigers 12

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:

3 Points - Mitchell Pearce (2 Tries)

2 Points - Benji Marshall (2 Tries, 4 Conversions)

1 Point - Todd Carney (6 Conversions)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS (44)
Tries: Phil Graham (2), Anthony Minichiello, Mitchell Pearce (2), Mitchell Aubusson, Aiden Guerra (2)
Conversions: Todd Carney (6/8)

WESTS TIGERS (32)
Tries: Benji Marshall (2), Blake Ayshford, Andrew Fifita, Lote Tuqiri
Conversions: Benji Marshall (4/6)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Welcome to this highly anticipated clash between the Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers. It should be an interesting match after the two teams came up with impressive victories in the opening round of the competition.

In the Toyota Cup the Roosters have put their notice on the competition with an impressive 26-20 win over the Tigers.
We are underway here, it's kick off!
5 min: Five minutes in so far and both teams have settled into the game well.
7 min: Tigers putting the Roosters under pressure early, they're holding on well so far.
10 min: TRY
They couldn't hold on any longer though. A nice pass from Robbie Farah setting Benji Marshall up for the opening try.
Wests Tigers 6-0
12 min: A misplaced Kouparitsas grubber has found Mark Flanagan and now Lote Tuqiri has run away for the four pointer...but we're going upstairs.
13 min: TRY
It's converted, Tigers all over the Roosters so far.
Wests Tigers 12-0
14 min: The Tigers have all the ball so far.
14 min: They got a penalty and instead of going over touch, Perrett grabs it. Something going right for the Roosters now.
16 min: Jason Ryles down injured, the Tigers still putting all the pressure on.
18 min: A bomb goes up by Anasta, and a knock on by the Roosters is ruled after a small amount of confusion.
23 min: Following a dreadful Pearce kick, Heighington spills it. So, the hot match has seen some mistakes.
25 min: TRY
Following a Tigers error, the Roosters intercepted and Pearce steps and sends Aubusson over for the Roosters first try.
Wests Tigers 12-4
27 min: Roosters with some good momentum now, a penalty going to them.
29 min: TRY
The momentum has certainly changed. Guerra crashes through a hole to score his second career try. The pass to him looked a bit forward however.
Wests Tigers 12-10
30 min: TRY
Following a bit of an Ellis trip, Anasta makes a good run, sending Graham over for his first try in Roosters colours.
Sydney Roosters 14-12
34 min: Moltzen passes a risky offload near his own line.
34 min: NOTE: Sorry for not noting it earlier, Fulton is out of the game today with Schirnack in on debut.
36 min: TRY
Another Tigers error enables the second Graham try.
Sydney Roosters 20-12
39 min: Pearce kicks out on the full, a minute left until the break.
40 min: Wonderful football from the Tigers! A massive team run!
40 min: That's halftime.
40 min: Both sides readying to come out for the second half.
40 min: Under way.
41 min: Bit of a hiccup from Carney near his in-goal, doing well to save himself from his own error.
43 min: Heighington continues his silly form, another push on a tackled player makes up the penalty.
45 min: Knock on from Lui, here come the Roosters.
45 min: TRY
Aiden Guerra goes over with a strong run for his second. The Roosters doing well, the Tigers taking their toll right now.
Sydney Roosters 26-12
51 min: TRY
A Benji-flick goes wrong, Mitch Aubusson takes the ball and sends Mitchell Pearce to score. The Roosters on fire.
Sydney Roosters 32-12
54 min: Well, Tuqiri ends a Roosters reign, then the Tigers make the error. Roosters ready for another shot?
57 min: TRY
Minichiello over now, the carnage continues! Carney from the sideline.
Sydney Roosters 38-12
63 min: TRY
It's taken a rare Todd Carney mistake for the Tigers to score. He was about to pass whilst getting tackled, but drops it and Ayshford scores instead.
Sydney Roosters 38-16
64 min: Marshall chipping, chasing, running, doing everything but Shaun Kenny-Dowall nullifies the situation well.
66 min: TRY
Pearce once again turning up in support, this time for a rampaging Lopini Paea. Roosters back to usual work.
Sydney Roosters 44-16
68 min: TRY
Benji doing well to send debutant Stirnack through. The Roosters turning the engine on and off.
Sydney Roosters 44-22
69 min: Farah does well, Daniela takes the ball near the line but knocks it on to Carney.
75 min: TRY
A few passes find Marshall who scores. Quite a few points in this game. Another question about the pass, maybe forward?
Sydney Roosters 44-26
75 min: Plenty of points here today, Tigers on the attack, could be a bit more.
77 min: TRY
Well, the Roosters really have quietened up now. Fifita scores, the Tigers close the margin once again.
Sydney Roosters 44-32
78 min: Ball goes across the touchline, Roosters one last chance?
80 min: That'll do from the tired teams. High scoring indeed!