NRL round 25: Panthers scrape by Bulldogs
The Penrith Panthers were able to get past a tough Bulldogs side on the road at ANZ Stadium in round 25’s Monday night affair.
The Panthers had a tough time against a skilled Bulldogs side, but were able to tack on a couple tries in the second half on their way to a close victory. The Bulldogs started out strong and took a 10 point advantage into the second stanza. However, the Panthers were not prepared to go quietly registering a try in the final minute of the match to secure a 24-18 victory.
Recap
The Bulldogs managed to get on the scoreboard first with a try from Steve Turner in the games fourth minute. Bryson Goodwin put home the conversion and the hosts were out to a quick 6-0 lead.
The Canterbury side kept the pressure on as Jamal Idris crossed the whitewash in the ninth minute and Goodwin hammered home his second conversion of the day to bring the advantage to 12-0.
The home side’s offence seemed unstoppable early in the match as Andrew Ryan cruised over the line for the Bulldogs third try in 15 minutes to give them a 16-0 lead.
The Panthers were only able to muster a try from Sandor Earl in the 37th minute, followed by a conversion from Michael Gordon to cut the lead to 16-6 at halftime.
After the break both teams were bogged down in defensive rugby. It was not until the 60th minute when Brad Tighe fought his way over the try-line for the Panthers. Gordon kicked home his second conversion of the match and the visitors were within four.
The Panthers were able to take their first lead when Trent Waterhouse manoeuvred his way across the whitewash in the 65th minute, followed by a Gordon conversion to make it 18-16.
Goodwin put home the only points of the half for the Bulldogs with a penalty in the 69th minute, knotting the game up at 18.
The Panthers then went on the offensive and Michael Jennings was able to get across the try-line just before the game ended in the 80th minute. Gordon followed with a conversion sealing a victory for the visiting side.
Analysis
The Bulldogs failed in their role of spoiler over the weekend but played an impressive match. The Bulldogs will hope to end the season on a high note with a win in their final game next week.
The win means the Panthers were able to maintain home field advantage. The Club will have to win their final match next week if they hope to remain in the top four heading into the post-season.
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