Melbourne keep buffer at top with high-scoring win at Leichhardt

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Wests Tigers v Melbourne Storm

Points were flowing at Leichhardt Oval as the Melbourne Storm kept their buffer at the top of the NRL ladder with a 40-28 win over the Wests Tigers in front of 10,000 fans.

Despite coming under early pressure from the Storm, the Tigers were able to open the scoring when the Melbourne left edge defence missed their roles and Jahream Bula was able to put Charlie Staines over in the corner. The conversion from Api Koroisau gave the hosts a 6-0 lead.

The lead didn't last long for the Wests Tigers as their defensive woes continued as Eli Katoa was able to go through easily close to the posts and Wishart converted to level the scores.

Not finding touch is one of the biggest sins in the NRL and Melbourne paid the price when the Tigers took advantage of the field position and Fonua Pole went through a very close range through a massive gap in the defence to score. The Tigers took a 12-10 lead as the conversion was successful.

Slicing through the defence, Ryan Papenhuyzen got the Storm back within two in what was a frustrating first half when he split the defence and got the ball down. The Storm added a third try in the first half when Jahrome Hughes put Will Warbrick through.

The Storm were denied a second try to Will Warbrick when he wasn't even given a chance to contest a Jahrome Hughes kick being tackled by Solomona Faataape and despite being reviewed for a possible penalty try, the officials elected to rule a professional foul and the Tigers winger was sent to the sin bin.

Melbourne took advantage of the extra man when Grant Anderson went over out wide and then Sua Faalogo went over again taking advantage of the extra man in attack. Both tries were converted and the Storm took a 28-12 lead.

The Tigers weren't done yet as even though their attack looked very sideways they were able to show they weren't out of the contest yet when Lachie Galvin went through after some good work from Api Koroisau. The conversion was good and the margin fell back to 10.

Melbourne had an effort overturned by the bunker but it didn't hurt too much as a couple of minutes later, Tyran Wishart went from dummy half and converted his own try to restore the margin back to 16.

The last few minutes was a points scoring spree as the Tigers added two more tries with Charlie Staines and Jahream Bula going over for tries which were sandwiched by a second try for Sua Faalogo.

The 40-28 win for Melbourne helps keep their 4 point buffer at the top of the ladder ahead of the bye next week meanwhile are back to the bottom of the NRL ladder as they have a clash against the Sharks next week.