Penrith Panthers v Wests Tigers
Round 23, 2011
Round 23, 2011
Centrebet Stadium
Wests Tigers prevailed 32-18 in an entertaining contest at Centrebet Stadium in Round 23 last year. It was a fifth consecutive win for the visitors, who ran in six tries to three as they continued to hit top form at the right time of the year.
Wests Tigers prevailed 32-18 in an entertaining contest at Centrebet Stadium in Round 23 last year. It was a fifth consecutive win for the visitors, who ran in six tries to three as they continued to hit top form at the right time of the year.
Penrith was without star centre Michael Jennings after he was stood down for disciplinary reasons, while Luke Lewis, Lachlan Coote and Michael Gordon were also absent through injury.
The Tigers weren’t in any mood to show them mercy as they raced out to an early 16-0 lead. Chris Heighington got the ball rolling after just four minutes when he pounced on a Robbie Farah kick to score before Tim Moltzen steamed through a gap 11 minutes later to make it 10-0. Gareth Ellis then rubbed salt into the wound with a powerful run after 30 minutes. However Penrith fought bravely and had narrowed the gap to 10 points by halftime, with Trent Waterhouse the first to reach a Harry Seijka grubber.
Shortly after the break they were right back in the contest at 16-12 when Adrian Purtell leapt highest to gather in a Luke Walsh bomb and the faithful were dreaming of a remarkable victory.
But that’s as good as it got for Penrith, with Farah capitalising on a strong Blake Ayshford run to extend the Tigers’ lead again and Beau Ryan intercepting a Waterhouse pass to race 80 metres and seal the deal with 15 minutes remaining.
Ellis crossed for his second with three minutes remaining before young Panther Ryan Walker scored a consolation try at the death.
Liam Fulton had a huge game for the Tigers, running for 156 metres and making 43 tackles while Chris Heighington made 123 metres and four offloads.
Nathan Smith was Penrith’s best with 124 metres and 40 tackles.
