Super League Panthers Match Reports

[ Home | Panthers Home | Player Profiles | Links to Other Super League Sites
Australasian Draw | World Club Challenge Draw ]

SUPER LEAGUE PANTHERS 1997
MATCH REPORTS

Round 4
Sunday March 23, 1997

Penrith Panthers caused the upset of round four of the Super League Telstra Cup by defeating Cronulla Sharks by 38 points to 10 at Penrith Stadium on Sunday, March 23rd. Attendance was 8,138. The win made it four out of four matches for the Panthers.

Penrith's strong defence allowed Cronulla to cross the line only twice, while its strong attack resulted in six tries of their own.

The win was not without its consequences - Morvin Edwards out for six weeks with a knee injury and two other players, Greg Alexander and Darren Brown, in doubt with injuries.

Right: Carl Macnamara makes a run with Morvin Edwards in support.

Brad Drew and Bobby Thompson get a Shark by the tail.

Penrith
Tries: D. Brown (2), R.Girdler, P.Jorgensen, J.Williams, A Hinson
Goals: Girdler (7 inc. 1 penalty)

Cronulla
Tries: B.Howland (2)
Goals: M. Healey

Left: Brad Drew and Bobby Thompson get a Shark by the tail.

Round 3
Saturday March 15, 1997

Penrith Panthers made it three in a row when they beat North Queensland Cowboys 19-12 in the third round of the Super League Telstra Cup played at Townsville's Stockland stadium on Saturday, March 15. Attendance was 18,003.

Post Match Wrap Up
Post match press conference - (l) Greg Alexande, (c) coach Royce Simmons, (r) Ryan Girdler.

It was a close-fought match. In the second half, the Panthers had to use all their defensive skills to keep the Cowboys out - at one stage making 30 consecutive tackles.

With four minutes to go and the score at 18-12, Greg Alexander put the game beyond the Cowboys' reach with a 30-metre field goal that stunned the crowd into relative silence.

Penrith
Tries: A. Hinson (2), S. Domic
Conversions: R. Girdler (3)
Field Goal: G. Alexander

Cowboys
Tries: L. Phillips, K.Warren
Conversions: L. Phillips (2)

Round 2
Sunday March 9, 1997

Penrith Panthers upset Canberra Raiders 33-20 in round two of the Super League Telstra Cup played at Canberra's home ground, Bruce Stadium on Sunday, March 9. Attendance was 10,849.

The young Panthers showed too much commitment and determination for Canberra and outshone the Raiders in ball handling skills.

But the win came at a high price. Scoring his second try of the match, Penrith captain Steve Carter dislocated a shoulder and will be out of action for up to six weeks.

Left: Darren Brown gets one away

Craig Gower, Darren Brown and Greg Alexander were among those who had excellent games.

Penrith
Tries: C. Gower 2, S. Carter 2, P.Jorgensen, A. Hinson
Conversions: G. Alexander 4
Field Goal: G. Alexander

Canberra
Tries: N. Nadruku, L. Priddis, D. Booby, B. Kennedy
Conversions: D. Furner 2

Right: Gowerpower! - Craig Gower breaks clear

Round 1
Sunday March 2, 1997

Penrith Panthers defeated Perth Reds by 30 points to 20 in a match played in hot, humid and at times showery weather at Penrith stadium. Attedance was 8,398.

The Reds started strongly, scoring two tries in the first nine minutes but failed to convert either.

On the prowl - Girdler heads for the line with Carter in support.

In the 10th minute, second rower Matt Adamson crossed for Panthers but after viewing the video replay five times, the referee disallowed the try. Highlight of the match was a 70 metre run by Greg Alexander to score his first try since rejoining Penrith after two seasons with Auckland.

Penrith
Tries: S. Carter, G. Alexander, S.Domic,
R. Girdler, P. Jorgensen.
Conversions: Girdler (5).

Perth
G. Fleming (2), J. Greave, R. Kearns.
Conversions: Chapman (2).

Left: Panther Power - Carter brings down a Red as Panthers close in.

[ Home | Panthers Home | Player Profiles | Links to Other Super League Sites
Australasian Draw | World Club Challenge Draw ]

For more information email [email protected]