Two hat-tricks as Panthers demolish the Knights

At Energy Australia Stadium in Newcastle this afternoon, the Panthers have shown all the teams in the competition that the wooden spoon may not necessarily be theirs as they annihilated the Knights by 46-12.

A hat-trick to both Frank Pritchard and Michael Jennings, and 22 points to winger Michael Gordon were just some of the highlights of the Panthers game in sticky conditions.

With the score at halftime 20-6 in favour of the visitors, all did not seem lost for the Knights as they finished off the first half with a great try, and some fine attacking opportunities.

Little did they expect the Panthers to come out firing as they did in the second half with the Penrith side scoring two impressive tries in just the opening 6 minutes of the second half, basically giving the Knights no chance at all of getting back into the match.

The Penrith players were a complete unit today, and should be sending out warning signs for their two remaining opponents in this season's competition.

The Knights hung in til the end of the match and were rewarded with a late try for some great defence near the death.

Match Details Round 23 - Full Time :: August 19th, 2007 03:00 PM Venue: Energy Australia Stadium Referee: Jason Robinson Crowd: 14351

Penrith Panthers 46 Tries: Michael Jennings (3), Frank Pritchard (3), Michael Gordon Goals: Michael Gordon (9/9)

Newcastle Knights 12 Tries: Zeb Taia, Cooper Vuna Goals: Kurt Gidley (2/2)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Frank Pritchard 2 Points: Michael Jennings 1 Point: Jarrod Sammut

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary: The two bottom placed sides in the competition will be playing for a lot of pride today in Newcastle. Not a full house but a good crowd set for this afternoon's match.

1 min: The Panthers kick-off.

4 min: Early chance for Newcastle as the ball is put high in the air. However a knock on was the end result.

6 min: Back to back sets by Penrith gives them great field position.

7 min: PENALTY GOAL Penrith Panthers A lazy high shot by Royal and Gordon has an easy kick at goal right in front. Penrith Panthers 2-0

13 min: Walsh kicks thru from halfway for Vuna to run onto to. A pass infield to Carmount ruled forward and the certain try for the Knights is disallowed.

14 min: TRY Penrith Panthers The Panthers hit back straight away. Priddis helps create the overlap and passes to the speedster Jennings who scores. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Penrith Panthers 8-0

19 min: Following a line dropout, Newcastle now rewarded with a penalty. A knock on in the 3rd tackle nullifies any attack.

23 min: Penalties 3 apiece so far in the match.

25 min: The Knights gaining a bit of momentum in the game but unable to convert into points.

27 min: TRY Penrith Panthers A mistake by the Knights 20 metres out from the Panthers line, and the Penrith side make the home side pay as Jennings scoots over for his 2nd try today. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Penrith Panthers 14-0

32 min: TRY Penrith Panthers The floodgates have opened for Penrith as quick hands allows a flying Pritchard across the line. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Penrith Panthers 20-0

37 min: TRY Newcastle Knights A falcon by Taia from a Gower kick 60 metres from the line sees him run the distance to score. Conversion attempt by Kurt Gidley successful. Penrith Panthers 20-6

39 min: Goal line dropout for Knights as the action heats up just before the break.

40 min: 4 goes at the Knights scrum is annoying the crowd.

HALFTIME: The Panthers lead the home side 20-6.

41 min: Second half underway

42 min: TRY Penrith Panthers A good set to start the half by the visitors aided by the defence slipping over as Pritchard goes barreling thru to score his 2nd try in the game. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Penrith Panthers 26-6

46 min: TRY Penrith Panthers Sustained attack by the Panthers rewards Pritchard with a hat-trick today, and the smile stays on his face. The Penrith side have come out firing from the break. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Penrith Panthers 32-6

52 min: Finally the local crowd have something to cheer about as the Knights set sail up the field resulting in a penalty 10 metres out from their line.

54 min: Unfortunately a forward pass is called in the set and the Panther head up the field away from the danger. Gower is off the field for the rest of the game with an injured knee.

58 min: PENALTY GOAL Penrith Panthers The Panthers with the weight of possession allows their forwards a bit of breathing space as Gordon kicks a goal 20 metres out from their line Penrith Panthers 34-6

61 min: TRY Penrith Panthers Not to be outdone by Pritchard, Jennings also nets a hat-trick this afternoon after Sammut gets a great ball away to the flying Penrith centre. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Penrith Panthers 40-6

65 min: TRY Penrith Panthers After a try saving tackle by Gidley, the Newcastle defence opened up and allowed Gordon thru for the softest of tries this afternoon. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful. Penrith Panthers 46-6

67 min: Crowd figure is 14,351

70 min: Gidley looks to have scored following a short pass by Walsh. Called back for a forward pass.

72 min: O'Halloran caught high by Simpson and Simpson is placed on report.

75 min: The Knights defence is the best we've seen in the game as they hold out the relentless Panthers attack. Fine effort by some tired players.

78 min: TRY Newcastle Knights The Knights are rewarded for their defence down the other end of the field as Vuna crosses the line to the cheers of the faithful Newcastle supporters. Conversion attempt by Kurt Gidley successful. Penrith Panthers 46-12

FULLTIME: 7 tries to 2 for Penrith this afternoon in a dominating performance over Newcastle.