Knights fall late as Panthers continue winning ways

Embed from Getty Images

Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights

The Penrith Panthers have won their seventh straight game, coming out over the top of the Knights 24-6 at Bluebet Stadium tonight.

The Knights were valiant in their effort, but the pressure from the Panthers proved too much as the Novacastrians fell away towards the latter stages of the match.

The Panthers started well, turning away some early pressure and scoring when given their first opportunity close to the Newcastle line. Nathan Cleary's kick in behind the line was perfect for Stephen Crichton to squeeze his way in between two defenders to score the first try of the game.

Penrith were in again just under a quarter of an hour later, with a brilliant pass from Jarome Luai seeing Matt Burton go over virtually untouched. This gave the Panthers a 10-0 jump on their opponents less than 20 minutes in. 

Probably the Knights' best performer tonight, five-eighth Kurt Mann, broke the line before finding Starford To'a in space. To'a then put a great fend on Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards to score out wide and get the Knights right back into the game. 

A Nathan Cleary penalty goal broke the second half deadlock to make it 12-6 to Penrith. The Panthers' relentless attack on Newcastle then broke the shackles, with a scrum-base play seeing a try scored by returning fullback Dylan Edwards. Minutes later, in form winger Brian To'o scored in the corner to seal the deal for the man from the foot of the mountain. A Nathan Cleary sideline conversion rounded out the scoring at 24-6. 

Both coaches will ultimately be quite happy with their side's completion rate, with the teams not gifting their opposition too much easy ground.

Newcastle didn't get the win, but there can certainly be some positives to be found in that they really stood up to Penrith, before falling away late. Kalyn Ponga and Kurt Mann both starred for their team and will look to replicate their form next week against the Roosters.

The Panthers were no doubt challenged tonight, but that didn't trouble them too much as they stuck out the game, were willing to do the hard work and got the job done in the end. They face Manly next week.