Round 18
Panthers 24 d. Raiders 12

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

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

Gower injury sours impressive Panthers performance
Sun July 9, 2006
Penrith's chances of making the top eight have taken a massive rise with an impressive 24-12 victory against Canberra last night. The victory however was soured with the news that halfback Craig Gower will miss the next three weeks after coming off with a torn hamstring injury prior to half-time.

Gower who was captaining the Panthers in Tony Puletua's absence and Penrith produced their most impressive first half effort where they led 10-0 at the break. The scoreboard wasn't troubled until the 22nd minute when Rhys Wesser scored with Preston Campbell converting for the Panthers to lead 6-0.

Talented young winger Michael Gordon who re-signed with the Panthers only recently scored on the stroke of half-time to extend Penrith's lead out to 10-0.

Phil Graham got Canberra back into the match with a try in the 57th minute but Campbell crossing two minutes later pushed Penrith out ten clear with Gorden taking over the goal kicking duties and added the extras.

Gordon landed a 71st minute penalty goal to push Penrith exactly two converted tries ahead and Gordon sealed victory with his second try four minutes before full-time.

Clinton Schifcofske scored and converted in the final minute of the match to bridge the margin to within 1-12 points.

After the match, Penrith coach John Lang when asked about the Finals said, "We decided three weeks ago that we'd just go out and do our best each week. We're aware that we have a chance of making the finals.

"we're not going to put any pressure on ourselves in that regard. We just want to get back to playing good footy and winning football games."

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