Weary Warriors Win: Panthers Lose Another

Returning to some form the New Zealand Warriors collecting their 4th win of the season and their second straight at their home base at Mt. Smart Stadium. The playmakers firing in Maloney, Seymour and Hohaia in his 170th NRL match.

The points coming early after errors from both sides. In the 7th minute, video Referee Steve Clark awarded a try to Kevin Locke. On the back of a good running attacking set from the Warriors and on the last tackle James Maloney getting a low grubber into the in goal area. The ball sitting up, as two Panthers defenders trying to pick up the ball, as they fumbling the ball, Locke went running through to beat the hands of the Panthers defenders to ground it. Maloney with the wind at this back, kicked the goal.

The Warriors controlled the match for the early part until the 18th minute with the ball bouncing everywhere in the set. Referee Jarred Maxwell awarded it and decision not to go up stairs. The Panthers going right to left. All the panthers players getting a hand to the ball, keeping it alive through Gordon before handing it to Tim Grant to dive over the whitewash. Hint of an obstruction maybe in the play. Looking at the play from Jennings a shepherd play was it, however the try given to Tim Grant. Kick at goal was successful too simple for Michael Gordon.

The New Zealand Warriors were playing a strong attacking style of football with the Panthers not far behind them. Errors coming for both sides went being close to the line. James Maloney's kicking game is showing through strong in this game compared to Luke Walsh's style. With only 12 points scored in the first half, 6 points a piece, it was anyone's game to win. The team who can hold the ball and erase the errors of the first half and who scores first will go onto win this match. The Panthers having been up to level the Warriors have been. A note on one try, Michael Jennings running a shepherd play in the scoring of a try and possibly a forward pass from the ground before getting the ball off to Tim Grant.

Time back on in the second half and it was anyone's game. But early signs which didn't look good for the Warriors as Panthers kicking off going about 25 metres, the Warriors not getting to the ball as it bounced into touch. Scrum feed to the Panthers.

The chance of paced in the 42nd minute, on the back a good set from the Panthers, in the attempt to throw the long ball but the Panthers knocking the ball on. Running through the line picking up the mess and Kevin Locke streaked down the field to run 75 metres to score just inside of the right touch, as he beat the chaser in David Simmons for the Panthers. The kick at goal another perfect kick. New Zealand Warriors getting the lead again 12 points to 6.

In the 49th minute, coming close two plays before and Brett Seymour was denied at the line. Within the same set Seymour went high to the air high, under the ball was Inu leaping high to beat winger Brad Tighe from the Panthers to collect the ball to score a 4 pointer for the Warriors. Panthers defence struggling to contain the kicking style of the New Zealanders. The Kick at goal another good one, nice and high and Maloney still yet to miss here today.The Warriors streaking away 18 points to 6.

Panthers giving away more points in the 53rd minute with a penalty to the Warriors for a poor play of the ball and walking off the mark of the Panthers. They took the game to a 14 point lead at that stage. James Maloney making no mistake with the kick on the back of a penalty for poor ruck control with lack of play of the mark.
The New Zealand Warriors 20-6.

It was end to end football for the next 15 minutes until in the 69th minute. The Panthers invited the Warriors back in the game from two repeat sets from the Panthers. Down at the other end of the field. A low grubber kick from Seymour through the defensive line into the in goal area, the ball bouncing up for the running fullback Hohaia plucking it from the air to score his 51st try for the Warriors. Kick at goal not missing from Maloney, going further ahead, the New Zealand Warriors 26-6.

Hitting back the Panthers however too late with two late tries the first in the 73rd minute. Working from dumby out wide to Travis Burns in the play, inside the 10 metre line. Michael Gordon popped the ball out short to Waterhouse for him to crash over the line. The Warriors fans in the stadium on their booing at the forward pass not seen by the Referees. Kick at goal was successful.

The second late try from dumby half, 7 minutes later. Nice hands from Luke Walsh to Tighe getting through the line to get it away to Travis Burns before hands passed left inside to Nafe Seluni for his first points in the Panthers colours since coming from the Warriors U20's side. The Panthers hitting back to the full time score 26 points to 18, with the final 2 points from the successful conversion from Michael Gordon.

The game today in New Zealand proved that the Warriors have what it takes to create play from nothing and holding their defence went needed. Although errors plaguing both sides but the better side winning. Panthers having issues still they their side as they let the Warriors score 20 almost unanswered points. Coach Matt Elliot couldn't be happy with that performance, the errors costly for the Penrith side away to lose their 6th game in 2011.

Match Details
New Zealand Warriors 26 defeated Penrith Panthers 18
National Rugby League - Round 8 - Sunday May 1, 2011 12:00pm
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
Referee: Jared Maxwell and Alan Shortall
Video Referee: Steve Clark
Touch Judges: Paul Holland and Gavin West
Crowd: 11,412
Halftime: New Zealand Warriors 6 Penrith Panthers 6

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 Points - Kevin Locke (2 Tries)
2 Points - Lance Hohaia (1 Try)
1 Point - James Maloney (4 Conversions, 1 Penalty Goal)

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS (26)
Tries: Lance Hohaia, Krisnan Inu, Kevin Locke (2)
Conversions: James Maloney (4/4)
Penalty Goals: James Maloney (1/1)

PENRITH PANTHERS (18)
Tries: Trent Waterhouse, Tim Grant, Nafe Seluni
Conversions: Michael Gordon (3/3)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary No changes for either the Warriors or the Panthers. Although Adrian Purtell comes off the bench for the Panthers. Kick off is only moments away LIVE from New Zealand's Mt. Smart Stadium for this Round 8 Clash. Should be cracker match from the home ground of the Kiwi's.
Both sides running out on the cold ground in New Zealand. Panthers out first with the Warriors on time out of the tunnel, no fines required.
Lance Hohaia the fullback celebrates 170 games in the NRL.
1 min: Jared Maxwell says time on, the Warriors will get us underway kick off is on. Siren sounds and the Panthers will get the first set
1 min: Waterhouse in charging run, has been given a penalty for a strip from the Warriors. Panthers pack the scrum on halfway. This is a good chance to start the half.
2 min: After getting the scrum feed, he has lost the ball clean on the back of an inside pass from Walsh. Warriors have the ball 20m from their line
3 min: Another error from the warriors. not the best start from their. From the scrum base the ball long to Mannering it was ruled a knock on, Panthers on the attack with another scrum.
3 min: From the scrum, the ball passing wide to Gordon, they went to the left as with some good footwork he went looking for a hole but unsuccessful to get the pass away. Into touch. Warriors scrum
4 min: First penalty for the match against the panthers. Warriors get it inside their own half
6 min: Video Referee Decision. Possible try to Kevin Locke here. On the back of a good set for Warriors.
7 min: TRY
Video Referee Steve Clark awards the try. On the back of a good running attacking set from the Warriors and on the last tackle James Maloney getting a low grubber into the in goal area. The ball sitting up, as two panthers defenders trying to pick up the ball, they fumbing the ball, as Locke running through to beat the hands of the panthers to ground it. With the wind at this back, he kicks the goal.
New Zealand Warriors 6-0
8 min: After getting the try the set was completed by the Warriors, with Maloney getting a kick down to the 40m of the panthers for them to run it out.
9 min: Penalty Panthers. Mannering pinged for being inside the 10 metre zone. Offside the ruling. panthers on the attack
10 min: Good defence from the Warriors, the panthers attacking wide to the left with Gordon and Tahu but in the attempt to ball away he knocks it on in the tackle. Warriors with the zero tackle.
10 min: Warriors completing another good set. James Maloney's kick another good one standing up in the in goal area putting pressure on Gordon to attack and run it outside his 10 metre line.
11 min: Kristin Inu taking the high ball and making 30 metres on the run betting the panthers defenders but wrapped up before half way
12 min: 20 Metre restart for the Panthers. Maloney's kick not like the previous ones as it rolled into touch. Panthers behind the possession so far. Warriors looking the stronger of the two sides.
13 min: End of the set for the Panthers. Walsh stabbing the ball low through the line, but too easy to collect for the Warriors to attack away from their own 30 metre line.
13 min: Another penalty against the Panthers. Count is 2-1 to Warriors. Panthers pinged for laying in the ruck.
15 min: Lance Hohaia finding a hole, nice footwork to get a linebreak from a dumby run. Warriors finding another weakness in the play of the panthers.
15 min: Penalty for a high shot against Civoniceva. Warning from the Referee.
18 min: TRY
The ball bouncing everywhere in the set. Referee awarding it decision not to go up stairs. The Panthers going right to left. All the panthers players getting a hand to the ball, keeping it alive through Gordon before handing it to Tim Grant to dive over the whitewash. Hint of an obstruction maybe in the play. I would side a shepherd play. however Try given.

Kick at goal was successful too simple
6 all
20 min: Messy play again with the Panthers chasing the high ball in the air, players diving for the ball. Warriors come away with it.
21 min: End of the set, Maloney getting the ball away down to the touchline. Scrum will pack down for the Panthers 10 metres away from their own line. This kick planned to slow the speed of the game and keep the panthers controlled it seems.
22 min: Panthers complete their set. The kick went down the field possible late hit on the kick not ruled.
23 min: Maloney losing control of the ball in the kick. Out on the full.The Panthers work the ball inside their own half.
25 min: Panthers losing some control. Knock on ruled by one referee whilst the other gives away a penalty for a strip in the ruck. Panthers inside the Warriors 20 metre zone. This is their chance to get their second try.
25 min: More defensive pressure from the Warriors. Forcing the error on the Panthers knocking on, zero tackle for the kiwi's
26 min: Penalty given against the Panthers for having a second effort in the ruck. Warriors kick for touch and they will play it on half way.
27 min: Another line break from Hohaia, looking in good form. using his footwork. they have to score in this set the warriors.
27 min: End of the set for the Warriors. Hohaia getting to the line getting a dumby away making the line break but a few tackles later in the set, making it to the line but held out by Nigel Plum.
29 min: Kevin Locke making a lovely catch of the high ball. But a penalty given for Gordon holding the leg of Locke. Warriors on the attack.

INJURY NEWS: Petero Civoniceva is heading up the tunnel...more to come on that
30 min: Warriors attacking whilst in defensive. One on one strip here for the Warriors, play on ruled the referee.
30 min: Penalty given against the Panthers again for a lifting tackle. Warriors going on the attack. Time off here was Nigel Plum getting some attention.
32 min: Warriors going right to left in the set. All the warriors players getting a hand on that set, passing wide from Hohaia to Inu but the touch judge getting the ball in the end, over touch. Scrum feed given to the Panthers although getting a lesson on how to pack the scrum thanks to referee Alan Shortall
33 min: Luke Walsh not the best with his kicking game today, getting a low wobbly kick down to Hohaia at the back. Warriors attacking from their own line.
34 min: James Maloney stuck inside the 30 metre zone of the Panthers, needed to get a big long kick, but failing to do so only getting it just over halfway although the ball bounced away from the panthers
35 min: Penalty against Michael Jennings for swearing at referee Alan Shortall after making a call against the panthers. Whilst Jarrod Maxwell giving his warning too in that if he does it again he is sitting down.
36 min: INJURY NEWS: Michael Gordon still down in back play, he is walking with the trainer.
38 min: Scrum feed for the Warriors. They play it inside their own 30 metre line.
39 min: Time off here. Panthers player being Yileen Gordon as he was put in an awkward position with Russell Packer putting him in it by coming over the top.
40 min: Warriors complete the first half being wrapped up in the tackle. Both sides walking away at the break with the Warriors being the better side.
HALF TIME: The New Zealand Warriors are playing a strong attacking style of football with the Panthers not far behind them. Errors coming for both sides went being close to the line. James Maloney's kicking game is showing through strong in this game compared to Luke Walsh's style. With only 12 points scored in the first half it is anyone's game to win. The team who can hold the ball and erase the errors of the first half and who scores first will go onto win this match. The Panthers having been up to level the Warriors have been.

A note on one try, Michael Jennings running a shepherd play in the scoring of a try and possibly a forward pass from the ground before getting the ball off to Tim Grant.
40 min: Time back on in the second half. Anyone's game. BUT Panthers kicking off going about 25 metres, the Warriors not getting to the ball as it bounced into touch. Scrum feed to the Panthers.
42 min: TRY
On the back a good set from the Panthers, in the attempt to throw the long ball but the Panthers knocking the ball on. Running through the line picking up the mess and he streaked down the field to run 75 metres to score just inside of the right touch, as he beat the chaser in David Simmons for the Panthers. The kick at goal another perfect kick.
New Zealand Warriors 12-6
45 min: From the ruck, he slipped after trying to step into a hole but getting throw the hole and knocks on cold. Scrum feed to the Panthers on half way.
46 min: Zero tackle for the Warriors. Waterhouse losing the ball, basically handing it to the warriors defenders.
47 min: Warriors football show more control with 76% to 59% of completion rate over the Panthers.
48 min: Penalty to the Warriors. Offside ruled from the touch judge. They kick for touch from Maloney and they will attack inside the 10 metre line.
49 min: TRY
Coming close two plays before and Seymour was denied at the line. Next he went high to the air high, under the ball was Inu leaping high to beat Tighe from the Panthers to collect the ball to score a 4 pointer for the Warriors. Panthers defence struggling to contain the kicking style of the New Zealanders. The Kick at goal another good one, nice and high and Maloney still yet to miss here today.
New Zealand Warriors 18-6
53 min: Penalty to the Warriors for a poor play of the ball and walking off the mark of the Panthers. Penalty goal time.
54 min: PENALTY GOAL
To take the game to a 14 point lead at this stage. Maloney making to mistake with the kick on the back of a penalty for poor ruck control with lack of play of the mark.
New Zealand Warriors 20-6
55 min: Attacking play from the Warriors as Ben Matulino went for a run but wrapped up on the 10 line. But long passing to Mateo forcing the knock on.
57 min: Another scrum for the Panthers. 40 metres from the Warriors line. The errors creeping back in the game. Panthers getting some fight back going on the attack.
57 min: Not the best last tackle option. Good attacking set from the Panthers to make it inside the 10 metre line. Luke Walsh's kick into the in goal isn't enough to stop Hohaia getting out.
59 min: Again we pack a scrum. Panthers only 20 metres from the Warriors line. as the warriors forwards knock on the ball. Panthers need to hit back with points in this set.
59 min: David Simmons taking the outside ball to run down the line, but in fear of going into touch, putting it to boot to the in goal area. The bounce perfect to Locke to ground the ball in the in goal for a goal line drop out for the Panthers.
61 min: Not making the best of the repeat set the Panthers, last tackle outside the 10 metre line. Luke Walsh going to the air but easily collected by Lance Hohaia. Warriors play it inside their own half.
62 min: Michael Jennings getting about 30 metres from his line break from dumby half.
63 min: David Simmons on the back of the good run from Jennings. Luke Walsh shifting it wide to Tahu and then on to Simmons going close to the line, flicking it back. knock on ruled Scrum feed to the Warriors.
64 min: With the one handed put down losing the ball in the ruck. Scrum packs on half way for the Panthers.
64 min: Time off here. Travis Burns is on the ground looking like he is in Disneyland. Possible injury to his leg or Knee.
66 min: Goal drop line out. A better kick from Walsh going high into the in goal area for his winger Brad Tighe. Panthers getting another repeat side.
66 min: Panthers messing up another repeat set, The warriors kick bouncing and going into touch the ball too high for Simmons. Scrum feed for the Warriors on the 40 metre line.
68 min: Well read by Jennings as the kick from Seymour landing just before the goal line. Panther work it away inside their own half.
68 min: The kick from Luke Walsh ruled to have gone out of the full. Penalty to the Warriors. They play it inside the Panthers 40 metre line. This is more chance to extend their 14 point lead.
69 min: TRY
Inviting the Warriors back in the game from two repeat sets from the Panthers. Down at the other end of the field. A low grubber kick from Seymour through the defensive line into the in goal area, the ball bouncing up for the running fullback Hohaia plucking it from the air to score his 51st try for the Warriors. Kick at goal not missing from Maloney
New Zealand Warriors 26-6
72 min: Michael Gordon under the high ball good return of the ball from the Seymour ball which ended the Warriors set.
72 min: Penalty Panthers. They go on the attack to put the Warriors under more pressure, need good defence so far in the half.
73 min: TRY
Working from dumby out wide to Travis Burns in the play, inside the 10 metre line. Gordon popped the ball out short to Waterhouse for him to crash over the line. The Warriors fans in the stadium on their booing at the forward pass not seen by the Referees. Kick at goal was successful. Warriors look to collect the points here.
New Zealand Warriors 26-12
76 min: Scrum feed to the Warriors for a forward pass from Travis Burns. The referees getting that one. Inside the 10 metre line as the warriors work it away from their own line.
79 min: TRY
From dumby half, nice hands from Walsh to Tighe getting through the line to get it away to Travis Burns before hands passed left inside to Seluni for his first points in the Panthers colours since coming from the Warriors U20's side.
New Zealand Warriors 26-18
80 min: FULL TIME. The kick at goal successful from Michael Gordon. That wraps up the match from Mt. Smart Stadium the players shaking hands as they return to the sheds after an entertaining match from both sides although errors creeping in the game in both halves.