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7 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
The Melbourne Storm have run out 16-8 winners over the Wests Tigers at Olympic Park this evening. In a match that never reached any great heights, the Melbourne Storm did enough to get the two points while the Tigers continued to shoot themselves in the foot with an error riddled performance.
The Storm must now prepare for a daunting match against the Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium while the Tigers must do some soul searching as they have the bye and will more than likely have announced some new signings for next season as the anti-tampering deadline passes during the week. The Tigers have close to $1 million dollars to spend on talent for next year.
Melbourne, tipped by many to win the wooden spoon are still hanging in there in seventh spot and are a genuine chance of making the top eight after missing out last year.
Leagueunlimited.com player of the year points:
3 ? Billy Slater (Storm) 2 ? Matt Orford (Storm) 1 ? Darren Senter (Tigers)
Scorers: STORM 16 Tries: Cooper, Slater x 2 Goals: Orford 2/3
TIGERS 8 Tries: Milton Goals: Covell 2/2
By the clock: 5th min: Still no score but the Storm have had the better of the early exchanges with almost double the posession.
6th min: TRY - Storm. Debutant Dustin Cooper bags his first try to get the Storm off to a good start. Conversion unsuccessful. Storm 4-0.
18th min: Scores remain unchanged with both sides settling into their gameplan. Wests Tigers need to cut their error rate if they are to be a chance in this match.
22nd min: PENALTY GOAL - Tigers. Luke Covell opens the Tigers account with a penalty goal. Storm 4-2.
34th min: Still no change as this game looks to be the second low scoring match of the weekend. Storm 4-2.
36th min: TRY - Storm. Crucial try to the flying Billy Slater just before half time gives Melbourne an eight point buffer over the Tigers. Conversion successful. Storm 10-2.
HALF TIME: A low scoring first half with a crucial try to the flying Slater from Melbourne gives them a comfortable eight point margin at the break.
50th min: Scores remain unchanged as both sides keep it tight but with just under half an hour to go, it's still anyone's game. Storm 10-2.
54th min: TRY - Storm. Slater gets a double for the Storm and makes the mountain for the Tigers that much higher toclimb if they are to win this game. Conversion successful. Storm 16-2.
65th min: Even though there has been no change in the scoreline, the Tigers hopes look forlorn as time works against them and any chance of a semi final berth looks to have evaporated as well. Storm 16-2.
72nd min: TRY - Tigers. Luke Milton gets a consolation try for the Tigers. Conversion successful. Storm 16-8.
FULL TIME: The Storm have run out 16-8 winners over a mistake riddled Wests Tigers side. It was a tradesman like effort from the Storm who face off against the Raiders at Canberra Stadium next weekend.