Panthers overcome dusty first half to beat woeful Wests Tigers

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Penrith Panthers v Wests Tigers

The match was one marred by the ill-discipline of both sides. It was also a game of two halves. The Panthers were penalised 9 times in the first half and also lost Test forward Trent Merrin for ten minutes as he was sent to the sin bin.

It was the Tigers who opened the scoring when Marsters kicked a penalty goal in the seventh minute. That was to be the end of the Tigers attacking highlights for the game.

In the 18th minute, Maloney equalised with a penalty goal of his own and seven minutes later a beautiful grubber by Cleary bounced up perfectly for Peachey, who scored to the side of the posts. Maloney slotted the goal, Penrith extending their lead by 6 points despite having Merrin in the sin bin for repeated infringements by his side.

Just as Merrin returned to the field, Penrith struck again, this time after a glorious pass from Maloney to Phillips, catching Nofoaluma out of position. Phillips dived over his tackle attempt to score a spectacular try in the corner. Maloney was unable to convert. Penrith went into the break with a 12-2 lead.

The second half saw the tides turn on the penalty count, as the Tigers produced a rubbish second half effort, save for some desperate defensive work to deny a few tries.

The Tigers spent the second half handing the Panthers prime field position and ample opportunities, as they gave away a myriad of penalties and scrums through poor handling.

In the 54th minute Maloney kicked a penalty goal and four minutes later, he added another in the only scoring plays of the half.

While Penrith were greatly improved in the second half, the fact that they failed to score a try against the Tigers in that period should be an issue that the sides needs to look at.

Twal was sent to the sent bin just shy of the hour mark in the game. Three great grubbers by Penrith forced drop outs, while Crichton and Phillips both had tries taken away from last gasp tackles by Tigers edge defenders, in the only high point for the Tigers.

The win sets up a huge clash next round at the same venue where Penrith will host ladder-leaders St George Illawarra. Meanwhile, Wests Tigers will be keen to re-group and take on Canterbury on Sunday in Round 12.