Round 15
Storm 22 d. Raiders 12

2006 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

A tale of two halves
Sun June 18, 2006
Source: www.melbournestorm.com.au

Melbourne Storm has continued its winning ways against the Canberra Raiders, extending their dominant run over the men from the capital with their eighth win in a row, running out 22-12 winners at Olympic Park.

With Storm coach Craig Bellamy resting Dallas Johnson and Garret Crossman, Ben Cross took his place on the bench while Jamie Feeney continued to deputise at lock.

The win, Melbourne's 11th in a row at Olympic Park, was setup after a sensational attacking display in the first half, crossing the try-line four times without reply.

After conceding a penalty as early as the 3rd minute, which Raiders fullback Clinton Schifcofske converted from right in front, it was all Storm for the remainder of the half.

Back-rower David Kidwell got the Storm on the scoreboard in the 7th minute, before Kidwell (again), Chris Walker and Ryan Hoffman sent the home team into the half-time break with a comfortable 22-2 lead.

However, the second half started poorly for the Storm, conceding a try in the 4th minute. A loose ball bounced off Jason Croker's head into the in-goal area, before Croker himself pounced to give the visitors hope.

What came next was very un-Storm-like in an attacking sense.

For the entire second half the Raiders, with the help of a lopsided penalty count, had the majority of possession and the Melbourne Storm was unable to create any try scoring opportunities of their own.

However, for all of the Raiders possession, the Storm rearguard held up well, repelling each and every Canberra attack, until their defences were finally breached with only three minutes of the match remaining.

Adam Mogg continued his try scoring form with his first of the afternoon to close the gap, but the Storm held on to retain their place at the top of the NRL Premiership ladder.

The difference in play between the first and second halves was not lost on Bellamy.

"I thought our first half was really good, tremendous actually," said Bellamy.

"I can't remember when we had as big a contrast between the halves as that, but it was good to come away with a win."

Although the pattern of the game is similar to the display against the Eels last week, where the Storm established a healthy lead before being pegged back, the team's inexperience may be a factor in the performances.

"We've got a young team here and we've got to learn to play for the 80 minutes, and realise that when we get on top we have to stay on top," said Bellamy.

"I could tell at half-time that something wasn't going to be quite right in the second half, but to our credit we may not have played well but we defended ok."

Report sent by: www.melbournestorm.com.au

Advanced Search