NRL play-offs week three: Wests Tigers down Canberra Raiders
The Wests Tigers were able to go on the road to Canberra and pull out an exciting win over the Raiders on the weekend.
The Tigers used their superior kicking, as the club snuck out a close victory over the Canberra side. The game was not without tries as the two clubs came out strong in the first half. The Tigers looked like the better side in the opening 40 minutes, taking
a six-point lead into half time. After the break the Raiders were able to battle back. However, the Wests were able to just do enough to earn a 26-24 win and a spot in the semi-finals.
Recap
The Tigers were able to open up the scoring with a try from Chris Heighington in the seventh minute. Benji Marshall was able to pass the extra point attempt through and Tigers took an early 6-0 lead.
The Raiders battled back however, earning a try of their own in the 13th minute, courtesy of Bronson Harrison. Jarod Croker was able to follow up the score with a conversion and the game was knotted up at six.
The Tigers wasted no time hitting back, as Gareth Ellis made his way across the whitewash only three minutes later and Marshall slotted home another conversion to make it 12-6.
The Tigers kept on pressing and Lote Tuqiri stormed over the line in the 20th minute. Marshall followed with this third two-pointer and the visitors were up 18-6.
The Raiders Joel Monaghan was able to power his way over the try-line in the 27th minute and Croker was able to slot home the extra point to cut the lead to 18-12 heading into half time.
After the break the Tigers continued to add to their lead with a try from Chris Lawrence in the 49th minute. Marshall maintained his strong day from the tee with another conversion to push the advantage out to 24-12.
However, the Raiders would not go quietly, as Trevor Thurling darted over the line in the 56th minute and Croker put home the conversion to cut the lead to 24-18.
Marshall answered back with a penalty in the 68th minute to extend the Tigers lead to 26-18.
Canberra managed to put a try home late, courtesy of Alan Tongue. However, it would not be enough as the visitors penalty kick proved to be the difference maker.
Analysis
The Raiders got bumped from the play-offs, but can take solace in the fact that they had a strong season. The Canberra side had an outstanding final half of the year, clawing their way into a post-season spot. They will have plenty to build on going into
next season.
Meanwhile, the Tigers now need to get prepared for a tough match against the St. George Dragons next week. The Tigers have not looked themselves in the post-season and will need to bring a better game on the weekend if they hope to defeat the number one
ranked Dragons.
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