Sutton's Souths pounce on Penrith

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have bounced back from last week's loss to defeat a depleted Penrith Panthers 36-12 at Homebush tonight.

After suffering a 54-20 clobbering from Wests Tigers last Saturday, the Rabbitohs took the opportunity to redeem themselves against a weakened Penrith outfit.

With rain falling for much of the first half, South Sydney took an early lead after backrower Eddy Pettybourne was assisted to the line courtesy of a brilliant pass from five eighth John Sutton.

The lead was extended to 8-0 following a Chris Sandow penalty goal in the 28th minute.

Souths stamped their authority on the match just before the break. Following a number of Panther raids, outside back Jamie Simpson pulled off a 90-metre intercept to score under the posts. Man-of-the-match Sutton crossed soonafter for the home side to post a 20-0 half time lead.

A runaway try to Souths fullback Nathan Merritt just after the break saw the tally escalate to 26-0, and a cricket score was on the cards.

But the Panthers were able to strike back. A number of handling errors from Souths invited their opposites back into the contest. Following a no try in the 49th minute, Penrith were finally able to capitalise through hooker Paul Aiton in the 52nd minute.

In the 59th minute Panthers centre Geoff Daniela got the nod from the video ref to make it 26-12. With 20 minutes remaining, Penrith were looking to mount an unlikely comeback.

But the Rabbitohs recovered the cue for long enough to run in two more tries, and take the game away from the visitors.

Sutton capped off a tremendous match to score his second try in the 70th minute before Colin Best scored out wide just before full time.

Match Details South Sydney Rabbitohs 36 def Penrith Panthers12 Round 18 - Friday July 10th, 2009 07:35pm Venue: ANZ Stadium, Homebush Referee: Ben Cummins & Tony De Las Heras
Sideline Officials: Paul Holland & Adam Devcich
Video Referee: Phil Cooley Crowd: 9,017 Halftime: Rabbitohs 20-0

South Sydney Rabbitohs 36 Tries: Eddy Pettybourne, Jamie Simpson, John Sutton (2), Nathan Merritt, Colin Best Goals: Chris Sandow (6/7) Penrith Panthers 12 Tries: Paul Aiton, Geoff Daniela Goals: Luke Walsh (2/2)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: John Sutton (Rabbitohs) 2 Points: Roy Asotasi (Rabbitohs) 1 Point: Nathan Merritt (Rabbitohs)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Talk about the game as it happens - Rabbitohs v Panthers forum discussion - click here!

RABBITOHS: 1. Nathan Merritt 2. Jamie Simpson 3. Colin Best 4. Beau Champion 5. Fetuli Talanoa 6. John Sutton 7. Chris Sandow 8. Luke Stuart 9. Issac Luke 10. Roy Asotasi (c) 11. Ben Lowe 12. Eddy Pettybourne 13. David Fa