Knights edge past Tigers in Campbelltown

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Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights

Newcastle Knights started their season with a 10-8 win over the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night.

The Knights had to dig deep to get themselves over the line. Trailing by eight at the break, they struck twice in the second half through Fletcher Sharpe and Greg Marzhew to take the points. 

The Tigers new era started with a bang. They kept the ball alive and found new recruit Jeral Skelton on the wing and he slammed it for a 6-0 lead for the hosts in front of a good crowd. 

Newcastle were clunky to start the game, they had chances but at the crucial moment they either dropped it or put in a tepid kick which was taken easily by Heath Mason at the back for the Tigers. 

The hosts extended their lead from the tee on the half hour mark. Knights were pinged from the scrum which allowed Adam Doueihi to pilot over the kick which made it 8-0. 

Both teams would be disappointed with their handling in the first half with over a dozen errors. The Tigers will be pleased though to keep a team to nil for the first time in three years. 

Newcastle got on the board in the second half with some smart play. Kalyn Ponga earned them seven tackles which saw Dylan Lucas split them up the middle and Fletcher Sharpe scooted over. 

The visitors had the option to level the game after Ponga was clipped high. They opted for a tap and the Tigers defense held firm and the game headed into the final twenty in the balance.

Knights struck again from long range. This time, James Schillar broke them open to get them on the front foot then the final pass hit the ground but Greg Marzhew was able to find the line for 10-8. 

You could see the raw materials was there for the Tigers tonight but their final pass and kick were awful. They will be better once Api Koroisau and Jareem Bula come back into the line-up. 

For the Knights, it is always good to start the season with two points, especially on the road. They had to dig deep after going down 8-0 but Ponga powered them towards a season opening win.