RUGBY LEAGUE NEWS:
Round 8:
Dragons notch one up against the Panthers
Written by: Tim Costello and Matt Starkey
May 5th 2007 12:54 PM

LINK TO MATCH PICS - CLICK HERE

Match summary
Dragons 28 - Panthers 16
St George Illawarra have recorded their second victory of the season with a scrappy win over the Penrith Panthers by 28-16 at Oki Jubilee.

In front of a disappointing crowd of 9,057 the Dragons clawed ahead thanks to a try to centre Matt Cooper despite him appearing to have hit the corner post. This followed on from an earlier try awarded to Luke Rooney, whom it appeared has put a foot into touch.

Coopers try drew accusations of a “square-up” from Penrith captain Craig Gower, and in doing so he conceded the fact that the earlier try to Rooney was an incorrect decision.

Rooney crossed in the 7th minute with referee Sean Hampstead preferring to award the try without going upstairs to the video referee, an option that’s mostly over-used.

Ten minutes later rookie back Jason Nightingale crossed and with a Wes Naiqama penalty the Dragons levelled things at 6-all.

Nuggetty back Michael Gordon, who has been very solid all year, crossed in the 28th minute but failed to convert, leaving the door ajar for the Dragons at 12-10.

Cooper’s try then came into play in the 34th minute, giving the Dragons a slim 2 point buffer before a brilliant try to young wing sensation Chase Stanley just before the break tore out the heart of Penrith and their fans. Stanley sliced up the middle to score a memorable try next to the posts with this young man ear-marked as a player of the future.

In the second half Penrith clawed back within two points but shortly after Naiqama scored a try out wide that sent Penrith packing. Cooper’s final try on the siren was soft, but the Dragons defence wasn’t. They absorbed a number of sets on their own line but Penrith simply couldn’t get through.

Ben Creagh was best on field by the length of the Princes Highway. Nightingale was solid on the wing in his debut, while Wallace stood out for the visitors.

Round 8 - Full Time :: May 4th, 2007 07:30 PM
Venue: Oki Jubilee Stadium
Referee: Sean Hampstead

St George Illawarra Dragons 28
Tries: Jason Nightingale, Matt Cooper (2), Chase Stanley, Wes Naiqama
Goals: Wes Naiqama (4/6)
Penrith Panthers 16
Tries: Luke Rooney (2), Michael Gordon
Goals: Michael Gordon (2/3)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match
3 Points: Ben Creagh (Dragons)
2 Points: Matt Cooper (Dragons)
1 Point: Peter Wallace (Panthers)

Live Commentary
We're underway at Kogarah!

6th min: Scoreless after six minutes...

7th min: TRY Penrith Panthers
Rooney crosses off the back of a weight of possession. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful.
Penrith Panthers 6-0

11 min: PENALTY GOAL St George Illawarra Dragons
Naiqama adds a penalty goal.
Penrith Panthers 6-2

17 min: TRY St George Illawarra Dragons
Nightingale crosses. Conversion attempt by Wes Naiqama unsuccessful.
6 all

28 min: TRY Penrith Panthers
Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon unsuccessful.
Penrith Panthers 10-6

34 min: TRY St George Illawarra Dragons
Cooper dots down for the Dragons. Conversion attempt by Wes Naiqama successful.
St George Illawarra Dragons 12-10

40 min: TRY St George Illawarra Dragons
Chase Stanley extends the Dragons lead right on half time. Conversion attempt by Wes Naiqama successful.
St George Illawarra Dragons 18-10

44 min: TRY Penrith Panthers
Rooney crosses for his second. Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful.
St George Illawarra Dragons 18-16

70 min: 10 to go, the Dragons with a slender two point lead.

71 min: TRY St George Illawarra Dragons
Naiqama wraps the match up for the Dragons. Conversion attempt by Wes Naiqama successful.
St George Illawarra Dragons 24-16

80 min: TRY St George Illawarra Dragons
Conversion attempt by Wes Naiqama unsuccessful.
St George Illawarra Dragons 28-16

The Dragons claim their second win of the season, defeating Penrith 28-16 in a must win clash.

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