Souths win a stunner over Wests Tigers

Two teams desperate for some competition points laid on a fine display for their faithful supporters this afternoon at Allianz Stadium, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs victorious over Wests Tigers 17-16 in extra time.

Neither side wanting another defeat, the game intensity was there from start to finish.

A 40/20 apiece early in the match showed the effort both sides put in on attack, and most definitely on defence.

Some tired bodies headed to the sheds at halftime, with the Tigers holding a narrow 4-0 lead, injuries to both Sam Burgess and Gareth Ellis in the first half, a concern for both sides.

The second half was a continuation of the intensity shown in the first 40 minutes. The Tigers looked to have the game sown up late in the half, until a burst of passion by the Bunnies in the last five minutes with 2 quick tries saw the game, quite rightly, head to extra time.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, their set of six saw the Rabbitohs pin them down their end of the field. A well set up field goal by Inglis sneaked over the crossbar and sealed the victory for the South Sydney side.

Match Details
Wests Tigers 16 were defeated by South Sydney Rabbitohs 17
National Rugby League - Round 5 - Sunday April 1, 2012 3:00pm
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium
Referee: Shayne Hayne and Gavin Morris
Video Referee: Paul Simpkins
Touch Judges: Paul Holland and Adam Gee
Crowd: 25,608
Halftime: Wests Tigers 4 South Sydney Rabbitohs 0

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 Points - Issac Luke (2 Tries)
2 Points - Dave Taylor
1 Point - Benji Marshall (2 Conversions)

Wests Tigers (16)
Tries: Beau Ryan, Tim Moltzen, Lote Tuqiri
Conversions: Benji Marshall (2/3)

South Sydney Rabbitohs (17)
Tries: Issac Luke (2), Andrew Everingham
Field Goals: Greg Inglis (1/1)
Conversions: Adam Reynolds (2/3)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Two teams desperate for a win today at Allianz Stadium. The Rabbitohs in 13th position take on the Wests Tigers, 2 spots down in 15th. The Tigers still missing Robbie Farrah, welcome back Lote Tuqiri into the side.
Both teams enter the stadium side by side.
The National Anthem sung for this the heritage round.
1 min: The Rabbitohs kick off in what should be an exciting match.
2 min: The Tigers, in their black and white heritage jersey, start well. 40/20 by Moltzen finishes the set.
2 min: TRY
From the scrum Marshall drifts wide and sets Moltzen up in the corner.
Wests Tigers 4-0
5 min: Gareth Ellis close to nailing a 40/20 but unsuccessful, much to the disappointment of the Souths supporters in the crowd.
8 min: 3 penalties in a row for the Rabbitohs has them hot on attack. the discipline of the Tigers well and truly being tested. A dropped ball brings relief for the home side.
13 min: Both sides settled into the game, with the defence holding strong.
19 min: A real battle out on the field. The two sides both able to complete their sets and get a kick away.
21 min: Goal Line Dropout - Tigers. A deft kick through by Marshall has to be tapped dead by the Souths defenders.
23 min: Michael Crocker on report as Moltzen takes the ball in goal. The Tigers get their first penalty of the match.
24 min: Sam Burgess off the field with what looks to be a serious knee injury, twisted in a tackle. Dave Taylor on as a replacement.
26 min: Goal Line Dropout - Rabbitohs. A great set sees the Bunnies hot on attack.
27 min: Gareth Ellis also off the field with a leg injury.
30 min: Goal Line Dropout - Rabbitohs. Turnig the heat up a bit, Souths look set to attack. A short kickoff by Marshall is nabbed by Ryan. Great play by the Tigers.
37 min: The tug-of-war continues between the two determined sides in a very fast paced game.
40 min: Half time: a real battle out on the field with neither side able to crack the stubborn defence. Wests Tigers hold onto their slender lead of 4-0 at the break.
41 min: The Tigers start the second half in this very close match.
46 min: And so the war continues. The second half a continuation of the first, with neither side relenting.
48 min: TRY
Finally the Bunnies are on the scoreboard with a typical Issac Luke dive from dummy half close to the line.
4 all
54 min: TRY
The momentum swinging the Tigers way is rewarded with Marshall firing a ball out wide to Tuqiri.
Wests Tigers 10-4
60 min: Penalty to Souths right on their line.
61 min: The Tigers defence forces the error on the first tackle. High fives all round, they are fired up.
68 min: Goal Line Dropout - Tigers. Fired up the Tigers try once again to break through the solid defence of the Bunnies.
70 min: TRY
Benji Marshall once again instigates a great move to see the Rabbitohs defence lost for the first time in this match.
Wests Tigers 16-4
73 min: Tigers once down their end of the field on attack.
74 min: The Rabbitohs defence holds true with Marshall once again setting up Ryan out wide. This time Ryan is pushed out over the sideline.
75 min: TRY
Issac Luke crosses for his second as the Rabbitohs try to fight back. A quick conversion taken.
Wests Tigers 16-10
78 min: Here comes Souths! They are fighting back.
79 min: TRY
Determined attack and Souths cross. A tough kick.
16 all
80 min: Extra time is it as the Rabbitohs piled it on in the last five minutes. Great finish to a great game.
82 min: Tigers have first possession but the Souths defence is tough to break. The Rabbitohs have great feild position to start their set.
82 min: FIELD GOAL
Calm and cool, Inglis kicks and the kick scrapes over in the corner of the crossbar.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 17-16