Knights dare to dream after weathering the Storm

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Newcastle Knights v Melbourne Storm

The Newcastle Knights are still in the race for the top eight following a spirited 26-18 victory over the Melbourne Storm.

Breaking a run of 11 consecutive losses against the Storm dating back to 2016, the Knights produced their finest performance of the season to the delight of 20,392 vocal supporters at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Enduring a dreadful start with former Newcastle outside back Nick Meaney (2nd minute) swooping on a loose ball and streaking 75 metres to score untouched, the Storm were looking ominous when Trent Loiero (7th minute) crashed over from close range to put the visitors up 12-0.

Managing to work their way back into the contest after a horror start, Dominic Young (17th minute) finished off an enterprising passage of second phase play to get the Knights on the board. 

Reducing the margin further after Bradman Best (32nd minute) continued his recent run of form with a powerful charge close to the line, the Storm were reduced to 12 men for the remainder of the half when Tariq Sims was sin-binned for head high contact on Jackson Hastings.

Capitalising on their one-man advantage to hit the front courtesy of Greg Marzhew (36th minute) out wide, a dazzling series of passes going from sideline-to-sideline saw Lachlan Fitzgibbon (39th minute) send the Knights to the sheds leading 18-12.

Continuing the one-way flow of points following the resumption of play, Mat Croker (44th minute) swooped on a kick from Phoenix Crossland just before the dead ball line just before Sims returned to the field.

Striking back midway through proceedings after a Newcastle error presented the visitors with a rare attacking opportunity, Justin Olam (53rd minute) strolled over from a scrum to narrow the score to a converted try.

Holding their resolve in defence for the remainder of the half, a penalty goal to Ponga with five minute remaining gave the Knights an unassailable lead to run out 26-18 winners.

Next week, the Knights will travel to Canberra on Saturday afternoon to take on the Raiders, while the Storm will host the Eels on Friday evening at Marvel Stadium.