The Penrith Panthers have defeated local rivals Parramatta Eels 32-12 in the Jersey Flegg Cup Elimination Final, to book a Minor Semi-final berth against Canberra Raiders at Leichhardt Oval next week.
A second half comeback from Parramatta looked to shake things up, but Penrith’s early 24-0 lead was ultimately enough to hold off the Eels.
Penrith got the upper hand early when a spiraling torpedo from Tylor Bunting wasn’t contained by Parramatta’s Mohamed Alameddine, and the winger gifted his opposition with a fresh set of tackles 10 metres from the try-line. Jaxen Edgar took full advantage with a tidy show and go before cutting through the Eels’ defence. Jirah Liddiard converted for an early 6-0 lead.
Penrith scored another try just minutes after their first to double their lead. Bunting found his halves partner Zach Lamont, who threw a delightful cut-out ball to Nick Murphy who scored with ease.
It was one way traffic at Jubilee Oval as Panthers scored their third of the day. Tuaomaliemavaitoelau Patea used his speed to make a break down the right edge before finding Liddiard outside of him who managed to beat his opposing winger and score a try.
Parramatta looked to claw one back through Beau Lucien after he was played through by a short ball from Josh Lynn, but the prop dropped the ball as he crashed over the try-line. The loose ball was knocked away from Edgar in a superb defensive effort.
Panthers scored yet again to extend the score-line to 20-0 over Parramatta when Bunting played through a tidy grubber kick for Nick Murphy. The speedy winger showed off his pace to blitz past his opposing winger, scoop up the ball and score his second of the day.
Penrith scored another four-pointer to head into the sheds with a 24-0 lead. A quick short ball from Bunting found Liddiard who was wide open and scored in the corner for his second of the day.
Parramatta came out of half-time firing and scored first points of the second half. Josh Lynn played a short ball to Delahia Wigmore who was stopped short. Lynn scooped up out of dummy-half and Javahn Stevenson-Hala scored the try.
The Eels scored again as they looked to mount a comeback. Some repeat pressure on the 10-metre line was rewarded through a tidy solo try from Matthew Hunter who zipped past several defenders to score. The try was converted to tighten the score to 24-12.
Panthers bounced back to score their first points of the second half through Patea. Some quick movement down the right edge saw Bunting play the ball out to his wing which didn’t land too well, but Patea managed to scoop the ball up and score. Kye Raven converted the try to push the lead out to 30-12.
Talking points
– Tuaomaliemavaitoelau Patea had an impressive game for the Panthers as the rising outside back set up a try and scored one himself.
– Tylor Bunting steered the ship well for the Panthers with his long kicking game and having a hand in multiple tries.
Key moment
Penrith got off to a flyer with Jaxen Edgar scoring in the first four minutes, which was crucial in their win as they went on to score another four unanswered tries in the first half.
What’s next?
The Eels’ season comes to an end while the Panthers advance to the Minor Semi-final up against Canberra Raiders.
