Widdop first half blitz helps Dragons overcome plucky Wests Tigers

Embed from Getty Images

St George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers

A double to returning Dragons captain Gareth Widdop has guided the Red V to a 16-12 win over a never-say-die Wests Tigers side at ANZ Stadium this afternoon.

The Dragons raced out to a halftime lead of 12-2, extending the advantage to 16-6 before a late try to the visitors reeled the margin in to just four points by fulltime.

The first half double from Widdop started the home team off on the right foot, scoring after 15 and 30 minutes respectively to get his side ahead 12-0. Outgoing fullback Josh Dugan laid claim to another try in the 25th, but the Bunker ruled against it.

Some ill discipline worked against the Saints just before the change of ends, with Tuimoala Lolohea converting a penalty goal after the siren to slim the margin to ten points.

Tigers' back Kevin Naiqama finally posted the Wests Tigers' first try of the afternoon seven minutes after halftime, with Lolohea unable to convert. Sensing a looming comeback threat, the Dragons capitalised on a Tigers' error to cross through Tyson Frizell who had backed up from Origin I just three days prior.

The 16-6 lead was eventually reeled in inside the final two minutes when Tigers' centre Michael Chee Kam crossed for the visiting side, Lolohea's conversion ensuring a nervy final sixty seconds for the Dragons - but the Red V did hold on for a 16-12 win.

Next week they return to ANZ as the away side when they contest the annual Queen's Birthday game against Canterbury on Monday, while the Wests Tigers return to Campbelltown where they'll host another premiership heavyweight in the Sydney Roosters.