It was billed as the game of the season between two teams who between them have arguably dominated the Intrust Super Premiership NSW with 2014 champions Penrith squaring off against 2015-16 minor premiers Mounties.
But in Sydney‘s big wet it was Mounties who continued on their unbeaten ways with a hard-fought 16-6 win over a Penrith side that failed to handle the conditions with an error-riddled performance, despite being boosted by the late inclusion of Dylan Edwards, Moses Leota, Tim Browne and Michael Oldfield.
For Mounties, their forward pack led by Makahesi Makatoa, Anthony Moriatis and Scott Sorensen paved the way for the win, enabling halves Jordan Turner and Lachlan Croker to employ an effective kicking game in the conditions, while fullback Zac Santo was dangerous every time he touched the ball.
Mounties took advantage of an early weight possession to open the scoring through former Panther Brent Naden, who pounced on a well weighted kick from Croker in the in-goal to give the home side a four-point lead after nine minutes.
Read the full match report on NSWRL.com.au
Mounties 16 (B Naden, M Kennedy, R Rennie tries; J Turner 2 goals) def Penrith Panthers 6(M Rein try; D Nicholls goal)
