Results and Scores

Melbourne Score World Club Challenge Win

curly — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:13:00 GMT

The Melbourne Storm, fielding a younger side than won the NRL comp last season, withstood a concerted Leeds effort to win the World Club Challenge 18-10. The game started well for Leeds with a bit of luck and the provision of a two point penalty kick, but Melbourne answered back and the game was level at 2 apiece. A further penalty goal by each team gave the half-time score a dramatic four all.

The second half showed intensity and passion from both sides, but it was Melbourne that proved themselves the better side, scoring two tries to one and having Cameron Smith kick five from five, in his unaccustomeed halfback role.

Smith was best on the ground, while Danny Maguire kept toiling for the English team. The win by the Storm is the second in succession by the Australian NRL Premiers, following Manly's win last season, and this will no doubt cause all sorts of angst for the English game.

It will be interesting to see how Melbourne start the NRL season this year, considering Manly's struggle to compete early last year.

Charity Shield 26 all Draw

curly — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:03:00 GMT

The Rabbitohs and Dragons played out the latest installment of the Charity Shield and in the final minutes, a piece of Brett Morris magic secured a 26 all draw for the Dragons. Jamie Soward was left with a sideline conversion to win the game, and the attempt sailed just outside the sticks.

For a pre-season game, the standard was high and the wingers from both teams had crackers, while John Sutton and Jamie Soward showed the full repertoire of tricks. The Souths Forward pack of Asotasi, Taylor and Burgess while Isaac Luke played with a deal of spirit.

The Dragons showed fans more promise than many have predicted, and they will actually look forward to the season opener against the Eels.

NSW Under 16 Kooris 24 Qld under 16 Murris 14

curly — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:16:00 GMT

In an entertaining curtain raiser to the NRL AllStars the NSW Kooris were too good for the Qld Murris in the Under 16 clash 24-14. The nsw boys certainly looked the goods early with better speed and fitness, but QLD put together a spirited comeback in the second half to trail by just 4. Howver asoft intercept try to NSW gave them the winning margin with three minutes left.

15 Minute surge Swamps England

curly — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:23:00 GMT

A final fifteen minute Tidal Wave of Aussie Talent, swamped a resurgent England in the final of the Four Nations today at Ellend Road to win 46-16 after holding a slender six point lead just 13 minutes from the full-time hooter.

The lead had exchanged hands often during the preceding 65 minutes, and it was England that set the tone early and indeed commenced the scoring to steal away the early lead. This was in fact delivered as a 12 point turnaround as Australia had just narrowly missed a try in the preceding set when Brett Morris was denied a try when he spilled the ball in a tackle from Ryan Hall.

The English lead was quickly lost when Justin Hodges again put Morris over, but the try of the game followed soon after when a brilliant individual effort by NRL-bound Sam Burgess stamped a heroic English effort and the Poms were sniffing an upset. However the Australians led at the break by 14-10.

Again it was the Pommies who scored first in the second half to take a 16-14 lead. This was to be the final time for the English, as the Aussies hit back soon after in the 54^th minute to lead 18-16. This game was entering a dramatic stage with both sides, making errors with the increased pressure. Another try followed four minutes later for the Aussies to take a six point lead.

It was in the 67^th minute that Australia started to assert its dominance and scored to take a 12 point lead. From there the Aussie attacked came at the English in wave after wave in surges that highlighted the sheer brilliance of the Aussies to come up with the final 30 victory margin.

Billy Slater scored a hat-trick and again, Brett Morris scored a double in the Green and Gold. Jaryd Hayne actually scored as did Cameron Smith. The Pommies were best served by Sam Burgess who scored a double

Kangaroos Cannot Look for the Cheap Stuff

curly — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:27:00 GMT

Much has been written since their pool game with the English, that the Australian Kangaroos will go looking for retribution if they meet the Pommies in the final.The talk has again dominated media interest in the game, and this sets a danger sign for the Aussies.

The Pommies are primed with a magnificent performance over New Zealand and any attempt by the Aussies to play outside of the rules of the game will backfire.The Aussies have played just 40 minutes of football each game in their three pool games and would be better advised to concentrate on improving their game, not mouthing off about revenge.

The Pommies are in a similar position, but have the last 120 minutes of football behind them. They are looking to spring an upset through their forward pack, one in which they have declared is the best in the world.

The Kangaroos have a fight on their hands, but any attempt to just fight will ensure they come away for the second year in a row as losers.

Australia to Face off against the Poms in Four Nations Final

curly — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:54:00 GMT

England has provided the biggest shot in the arm for rugby league in England by knocking off the World Champion New Zealand outfit, to secure a spot in the Four Nations final against the still disjointed Australian Kangaroos. The Englishmen defeated the Kiwis 20-12.

The Englishman obviously bouyed by a stirling second half against the Australians, took the game to the Kiwis and stole the game with two quick tries right in the closing minutes of the first half, to give the Poms a commanding 18-6 lead at the break. This lead was challenged by a strong second half by the New Zealanders, but the defensive efforts from the English side were rewarded as they held on to win.

The Australians were expected to win easily against the French side, but it was again a disjointed effort that stole the headlines. The first half for the Aussies was poor, and they led 8-0 at the interval.

The second half was a much better affair as the Australians powered away to a 42-4 victory, with debutant Michael Jennings a standout with a hatrick of tries. Josh Morris (on debut) and twin Brett, both scored doubles in the second half romp.

The Australian side featured some new players but it was only Jennings who powered a case for inclusion in the final, and based on form should have shortened his odds to replace a well-contained Justin Hodges. Robbie Farrah, again looked out of his depth tonight, and Cam Smiths spot would appear safe.

The Four Nations final should be a beauty with England gaining some real confidence in their last 120 minutes of football, and based on current form, could almost start as favourites in the final.

Australia and New Zealand Impress in Four Nations

curly — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:13:00 GMT

An impressive first half was enough for the Australian Kangaroos dispose of the English side 26-16. They led 26-0 in the first half, but the English fought back to score three unanswered tries and almost snatch the game. The Pommies were strong in the second half and really took it up to the much vaunted Australians.

Coach Tim Sheens has got some work to do, to get this Australian team to gel with cohesion. They at times appeared disinteresetd in the second half.

In the other game, the Kiwis were impressive with a 62-12 over the French.

The Storm Stamp on the NRL

curly — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:36:00 GMT

In an entertaining Grand Final, the Melbourne Storm stamped their four year reign as Grand Finalists with their second premiership. They defeated the Parramatta Eels, and what seemed like the whole of Sydney, 23-16 in the decider.

The Storm were at their professional best as they thwarted everything the Parramatta Eels had with a brick wall defence that nullified the brilliance of Jarryd Hayne and blunted the power of Fuifui Moimoi. Fuifui was smashed in the opening tackle of the game and in a very rare occurrence didn't back up for a second run in the opening set.

The Eels kicking game was aimed squarely at the wing of Steve Turner who handled everything that was thrown at him during the game. If the aim was to deny the ball to Billy Slater, it didn't quite work as Billy picked up the Clive Churchill medal.

Ryan Hoffman opened the scoring in just the fifth minute with a well rehearsed move down the Storms left side attack. It was clear that they strategy was to maintain Greg Inglis down this side, but a brilliant line by Hoffman created some doubt within the defence and the Storm punched through.

The Storm led at the break 10-0, but it was the Eels that scored first in the second half, bringing the 10-6 scoreline.Parra seemed energised and their forward pack, led by Fuifui aimed up.

The Parramatta fan sitting behind me, just a little while later, stated that Inglis has been quiet. Just seconds later, a Cooper Cronk bomb hoisted up high was easily taken by GI on the run, and a try under the posts. The sheepish Eel fan, aplogised to his mates with a "I spoke to soon".

The Eels rallied within about 10 minutes to go with some attacking football that carried them to the match up. Two tries within minutes of each other set up a dynamic final ten six minutes. They rallied with some ad-lib football and for once the Storm defence was at sixes and sevens. A Greg Inglis field goal, with three minutes left gave the Storm the breathing space for the win.

The Storm were professional and clinical, while the Eels made plenty of half-chances to threaten. Often the final pass or endeavor would go unrewarded much to the angst of the Parramatta Eels fans,most of whom were bitterly disappointed with the result and the end of their run.

To further strengthen the day for Storm fans, their Under 20's won the day as well with a hard fought 24-22 win over a never say die Wests Tigers side. It must be said that the match-winning try from the Storm, looked decidely dodgy at best but the end result rewarded the more consistent team throughout the game.

Storm to Face Eels in Decider

curly — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:41:00 GMT

The Melbourne Storm dismantled the Brisbane Broncos on Melbourne's Biggest Day 40-10 to enter their fourth straight Grand Final to take on the fairytale Parramatta Eels.

It was almost like the Brisbane Boys knew they were not going to win and played accordingly, but credit must be given to the Storm who played with a desire and a commitment that has to be commended. The feat that Craig Bellamy has done, in taking this club to four straight Grand Finals is outstanding.

The Under 20's decider was also a win to the Storm easily defeating the Brisbane Broncos, and will take on the Wests Tigers in the Grand Final.

Dragons Under 20's Disapoint

snowy — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:35:00 GMT

The Dragons Under 20 outfit, the team peaking at the right time disapointed in their final game of the season, going down 36-12 to the Wests Tigers in the Grand Final Qualifier.

Once again, a Dragons team that promised so much, delivered so little when it counted. Did they go in with expectations of a win? Did they get ahead of themselves?

While it is again disapointing not to have the Dragons represented at Grand Final day, thge upside is that the club won the club championship and looks to have a bright future.

Eels Get to Grand Final

snowy — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:22:00 GMT

I remember Nathan Hindmarsh stating on The Footy Show that the Eels needed to win nine of their last eight games to make the finals. Somehow, the Eels have managed this and even had a loss along the way and have secured the first spot in the 2009 decider.

The Eels v Bulldogs games was a massive thing for the Sydney League fans and over 74,000 attended the ground that everyone hates, Homebush, to see a game of the highest standard and a scorcher that best matched the pre-game hype.

It had everything. The Superstar now villian on report for leading with the kness in the Dogs first try. A relentless Parramatta slowly but surely taking the upper hand. A resiliant Bulldogs outfit somehow, leading at half-time. An Eels outfit that exploded out of the blocks at half-time, but never able to put the game away. We say goodby to a true champion in Hazem El Masri, and the Eels booked into the Grand Final, possibly without Jarryd Hayne and captain Nathan Cayless.

The Bulldogs fairytale season from wooden spoon to Premiers has ended. But in its place we have the Eels fairytale leading to a shot at the premiership. I heard of Eels fans doing nudie runs last night after the win. What will be the follow up next week?

Change the Coach, Can't change the Attitude

curly — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:41:00 GMT

You can change the coach, but you cannot change the attitude. Nathan Brown was forever let down by a team that allowed cheap turnover, gave away silly penalties and ultimately give away more games than they lost.

Come in Wayne Bennett, and yes we have seen greater consistency BUT when it counted towards the end of the season the old traits came back. Dragons fans suffer another season of promise that ended in heartache.

Which brings me to the game that saw for the first time in the history of the McIntyre system that saw the Minor Premiers disposed of in straight sets. Yes they came up against the Brisbane Broncos at a packed Suncorp. But they were their own worst enemy. Another season lost. Brisbane 24 St George Illawarra 10. Another season lost.

The Broncos were served well by their forward pack, who attacked with defence with some real hostility. The Dragons again weathered the Storm and for their first foray down the Broncos turf, they chose to take a penalty shot instead of building some pressure. We have seen in this finals series, last week with the Dragons, Friday Night with the Titans and now tonight again where a team chose to take the two points early have lost and lost easily.

I don't want to take anything away from the Broncos as they were good, but the real Dragons didn't stand up and haven't done so for the last two months of the competition. Unfortunately it co-incided with the return of Matt Cooper. Just as they did, when Mark Gasiner and Trent Barret would return from injury, the Dragons stuck their heads up their ass and waited for the star to win the game.

Players like Beau Scott and Matt Prior who stood tall during the season, showed their real lack of class in the finals. Dan Hunt was a loose cannon most of the season and he stayed true to form. Jamie Soward folded POORLY under the pressure of the finals, kicked poorly, made poor options but also didn't have any momentum from his forward pack. They went missing.

The Broncos now take on the Storm in Melbourne but for the Dragons fans the season is over. The season of hope finishes with utter disappointment. Bennett can find solace on his farm, we can just cry in our beers.

Eels Defence Sets in: 27-2 over Gold Coast

curly — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:27:00 GMT

The Eels and Jaryd Hayne have had the words waxed lyrically about their late season charge, but AGAIN it was their defence that stood tallest against a Gold Coast Titans team that dominated ball and field position for the opening ten minutes of both halves. The Eels repelled them time and time again.

Fuifui Moimoi was at his charging best and the Coast props Luke Bailey, Matt Cross and Michael Henderson faced off bravely but under class. It was the forward pack of the Eels that led the way, and they are seen to be enjoying their work like never before. Chest bumps, little chest shimmys, offloads and big hits have become the vision of the Eels forward pack, who are paving the way for their backs like Hayne, Eric Grothe and Luke Burt to shine.

The Eels look hard to beat, especially seeing they won with the early retirement from the game of five-eight Daniel Mortimer. Next week sees a Sydney Blockbuster with the Bulldogs facing off against the Eels and ANZ stadium should be a sellout to such a game.

As for the Titans. Good season boys, disapointing end.

Eels simply Awesome: Eight beats One

curly — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:56:00 GMT

The Parramatta Eels showed their last weeks performance was all ducks and drakes as they put the Minor Premiers to the sword 25-12 in the first week of the finals.

The win by the Eels knocks the defending Premiers out of the finals race.

As we have seen so often, the Dragons dominated the first twenty minutes with position and possession, but the Parramatta Eels defence had learnt heaps from last week and held firm. At their first attempt the Eels blew a chance to score in the corner, and the signs were there. They followed up soon after with two tries to lead 12-2, and the Dragons fans knew they were gone.

The Dragons tactics was poor, especially in the crucial stage after half-time, with insipid sets of six, poor kicks and equally poor defence.

Luke Burt nailed a field goal with five minutes left on the clock sealed the game for the Eels, but a piece of brilliance from Jarryd Hayne rubbed salt in the Dragons wounds to give us the final scoreline.

The Dragons get another chance, but they looked predictable and their rock solid defence has gone. The Melbourne Storm were the most impressive team of the first week of the finals and they will be double refreshed after their week off.

It doesn't get easier for the Dragons as they now face Brisbane at Suncorp next week, while the Eels take on the Titans.

Who needs Kimmorley?

curly — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:19:00 GMT

The Bulldogs won their 2^nd v 7^th Final against the Newcastle Knights 26-12. The Bulldogs trailed early but climbed back off the deck after the energetic Knights scored first.

The Dogs led at half-time 18-6 and the Knights were struggling. They lost the risk that was Isaac de Gois in the first minute, had Steve Simpson hurt his wrist early, yet they were brave in defeat. The scored first in the second half to trail 18-12, yet were never really in the game. The Bulldogs put the game beyond doubt and consigned the Knights to be first team knocked out of the 2009 finals series/