An impressive performance from the ISP Panthers saw them put the Bulldogs to the sword 34-16 at Panthers Stadium on Sunday.
The Bulldogs opened the scoring in the 9th minute as winger Joshua Bergamin was put into space and won the race to the tryline. Rhyse Martin slotted the conversion from out wide and the visitors led 6-0.
The Panthers hit back in spectacular fashion four minutes later as centre Tom Eisenhuth threw a looping pass back over his head for Brian Too. The young winger busted through Bulldogs fullback Mason Cerruto to score. Adam Keighran’s attempted conversion was waved away, leaving the score 6-4.
The home side took the lead in the 27th minute as winger Ratu Tuisese stepped back inside, wrong-footing three Bulldogs defenders in the process, and touched down. Keighran was on target with the conversion and the Panthers led 10-6.
Eight minutes before the break, Panthers prop Paea Pua was denied what looked like a legitimate try as the referee ruled a double movement.
The Panthers weren’t to be denied soon after as hooker Wayde Egan scooped up a spilled grubber to roll his way over the tryline. Keighran’s conversion pushed Penrith’s lead out to 16-6.
The lead blew out again as Jarome Luai took advantage of some back-peddling Bulldogs defence in the 38th minute. The playmaker streaked through a gap to score and Keighran added the extras.
HALFTIME – Panthers 22 – 6 Bulldogs
The Panthers went on the attack early in the second half and were rewarded as Keighran knocked over a simple penalty goal in the 45th minute to make the score 24-6.
The Bulldogs hit back in the 55th minute as they found an overlap on the right edge and Bergamin touched down for his second try. Martin’s attempted conversion was waved away and the score remained 24-10.
A flat pass at the line put Panthers backrower Liam Martin over for a try with 12 minutes left to play. The successful conversion from Keighran extended the Panthers lead to 30-10.
The pain continued for the Bulldogs three minutes later as Eisenhuth found enough space to crash his way over in the tackle. Keighran couldn't convert but the Panthers enjoyed a 34-10 lead.
The visitors scored a consolation try in the final minute of the game as Fa'amanu Brown darted his way out of dummy half and over the tryline.
FULLTIME - Panthers 34 - 16 Bulldogs
