Match Report: NSW Cup Round 20 vs Panthers

It was a match that got away from Manly with the Panthers running in seven of their eight tries in the first half to lead 34-0 at the break. 

The Panthers opened the scoring in the 4th minute backrower Delahia Wigmore crashed over after receiving clean ball from five-eighth Jack Cole. The conversion from in front was successful from Zakauri Clarke, giving the Panthers an early 6-0 lead.

Despite great field position for Manly, a loose pass was intercepted by Panthers' winger Nick Murphy who ran away for Penrith’s second try in the 10th minute. Another successful kick from Clarke took the scoreline to 12-0.

Penrith scored their third try in the 18th minute when prop Tom Ale muscled his way over. Clarke landed his third successful conversion to put his team ahead 18-0.

The visitors scored again in the 25th minute when Ale went over for his second of the match. Clarke added the extras, taking the score to 24-0.

Two minutes later Panthers' backrower Luron Patea worked his way through Manly’s middle and scored with Clarke maintaining his perfect record with the boot to send the Panthers ahead 30-0.

Just before halftime, Penrith worked the ball into the hands of centre Jesse Mclean who scored in the south-eastern corner of the ground. The conversion was unsuccessful from the sideline, giving Penrith a 34-0 lead going into the break.

Midway through the second half, Panthers five-eighth Cole produced a cut-out pass to winger Murphy who scored in the north-western corner.

The only try of the second half was converted from the sideline to round out a 40-0 victory for the visitors.

Next weekend Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will play the Newtown Jets at 4 Pines Park, Sunday the 26th of July at 1:30pm.