Storm slog out another victory in Melbourne

Match Summary

Melbourne Storm remain undefeated in 2007 with another hard fought victory, this time over the Penrith Panthers by 30-20 at Olympic Park in Melbourne.

A hardy crowd braved soggy conditions in Melbourne to watch their team tough out their victory against the Panthers.

Mistakes were aplenty by both the sides with a slippery ball and wet underfoot. The score at the break reflecting a tough battle with the Storm holding a slender lead of 12-8.

The first try of the game went to the Panthers when Luke Lewis crossed over following a goal line dropout to the Penrith side.

Melbourne hit back with a try of their own 7 minutes later after some great defensive work by the two teams. Another try to the home side late in the half looked to give them a bit of breathing space.

Errors crept in as the teams started to tire allowing the Melbourne side to creep out to a seemingly safe 16 point margin after 55 minutes.

However the diehard attitude of the Penrith side saw them bridge the gap to just 4 points with 10 minutes left to play.

Unfortunately for them, a couple of bad options and the patience of the Storm pack allowed the score to creep out to a 10 point buffer after 80 minutes.

The players who backed up from the ANZAC Test last night all played well. Cameron Smith outstanding for the Storm.

Round 6 - Full Time :: April 21st, 2007 05:30 PM Venue: Olympic Park Referee: Steve Clark

Melbourne Storm (30) Tries: Cooper Cronk (2), Ryan Hoffman, Cameron Smith (2) Goals: Cameron Smith (5/6)

Penrith Panthers (20) Tries: Luke Lewis, Frank Pritchard, Michael Jennings Goals: Michael Gordon (4/4) Live commentary

Juniors Moors the only change to the starting thirteen for the Panthers, with Pritchard on the bench. The Melbourne side as per programme. Very wet conditions in Melbourne. Rep players backing up from the game last night for both sides.

1 min: Kick off for the Panthers in very wet conditions.

5 min: 40/20 Smith sets up the Storm's attack nicely. Priddis (Panthers) hobbling to the scrum.

6 min: Lewis (Panthers) penalised for a high shot on Geyer 20 metres out from the Storm line.

7 min: PENALTY GOAL Melbourne Storm Penalty from the high shot, kicks the scoring into gear. Smith no trouble with the kick. Melbourne Storm 2-0

10 min: Back to back penalties and Penrith take their first tackle 10 metres from their line. Held up in goal on the 3rd tackle.

11 min: Line dropout Panthers.

12 min: TRY Penrith Panthers Cross field kick by Gower on the fifth tackle and Lewis picks up the scraps to slide over out wide. Gordon kicks a beauty conversion from out wide. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Penrith Panthers 6-2

15 min: The Melbourne side look a little sluggish with some great defence by the Panthers in the soggy conditions.

19 min: TRY Melbourne Storm A 5th tackle penalty allows Melbourne's attack to begin 20 metres out from their line. Cronk forces his way over the line 10 metres in from the sideline. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful. Melbourne Storm 8-6

21 min: Another penalty to the Storm and suddenly play is down on their try line with a goal line dropout.

27 min: Mistakes creeping in by both sides as they slip and slide all over the slippery field. Score remains 8-6 to the Storm.

29 min: Goal line dropout to the Storm courtesy of a deft little grubber by Geyer.

30 min: Attack fails by Melbourne with the slippery ball taking charge.

31 min: PENALTY GOAL Penrith Panthers Cross penalised for a 'sleeper'. 30 metre kick right in front. Gordon has no trouble with the kick. 8 all

35 min: TRY Melbourne Storm A nice kick out wide by Smith is juggled by the Penrith defenders only to be snapped up by Hoffman right in the corner. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith unsuccessful. Melbourne Storm 12-8

37 min: Stats for missed tackles, 6 for the Storm, 20 for Penrith.

HALFTIME: Storm in the lead by 12-8 in a tough game thanks to the wet conditions. Defence by both sides has been good.

41 min: Play continues amongst the rain and smoke from the fireworks

43 min: The Panthers have the first taste of attack with a penalty early in the half. A banana kick from Gower is a good one, but easily picked up by Slater.

43 min: The Panthers have the first taste of attack with a penalty early in the half. A banana kick from Gower is a good one, but easily picked up by Slater.

45 min: TRY Melbourne Storm Cronk nails his second try of the night with some great running and brushing off defenders. Smith has an easy attempt from right out in front. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful. Melbourne Storm 18-8

50 min: Geyer(Storm) has blood gushing from his head and is sent to the blood bin with the Panthers hot on attack. One out of the defensive line for the Storm and they manage to hold on for a goal line dropout.

52 min: The Panthers spread the ball wide to Rooney who's had a quiet game but unfortunately the last pass was forward.

55 min: TRY Melbourne Storm Smith ducks from dummy half under some tired Penrith defenders and scores. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful. Melbourne Storm 24-8

60 min: Kafusi called up for a high shot on Clinton and placed on report.

64 min: TRY Penrith Panthers Back to back sets for the Panthers pays off finally with Pritchard running onto a great ball from Wallace. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Melbourne Storm 24-14

69 min: TRY Penrith Panthers A simple error by the Storm hands easy possession to the Panthers 20 metres out from their line. Great hands and Jennings is over out wide. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Melbourne Storm 24-20

72 min: A high kick is taken by Wesser which he loses but luckily is knocked out by another Panthers player. A short goal line dropout is snapped up happily by the Storm

72 min: TRY Melbourne Storm The fireworks go off as Smith grabs a double. Smit close to the line yet again is dangerous. Video ref gives him the nod. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful. Melbourne Storm 30-20

77 min: Cameron Smith leaves the field after a superb game. Mistakes aplenty by the Panthers at the moment but they are not giving up.

FULLTIME: A tough battle in slippery conditions, and the Storm take the spoils to remain unbeaten in 2007. LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Cameron Smith (Storm) 2 Points: Billy Slater (Storm) 1 Point: Ryan Hoffman (Storm)