Broncos ride the Storm to claim a sixth Premiership
October 3rd 2006 02:44
Category: Movies
On sunday night, the Telstra NRL Premiership winner was decided in a contest which will be remembered as much for its fairytale ending of Shane Webcke's illustrious career, as for the controversial referreeing decisions which may have cost the Melbourne Storm a second Premiership. Brisbane Bronco coach Wayne Bennett, who's coaching has been criticised in recent times with the Broncos finishing poorly at the business end of recent seasons, conceeded that this Premiership win was the sweetest of all the six. What made the occassion even more monumental is that Broncos, Maroons, and Kangaroos legend, Shane Webcke, the man widely regarded as the best prop forward to ever play rugby league, was able to finish his career on a high note by winning a club title. The match itself, was a low-scoring affair as was to be expected by the number 1 and 2 ranked defensive sides in the competition doing battle. Darren Lockyer opened the scoring, converting a penalty goal from in front of the Storm goals in a dubious decision made by referee Simpkins, in which a strip was ruled when it appeared as though Shaun Berrigan had lost the ball himself. The Storm were not discouraged by the early blow to their confidence; Scott Hill fought back setting up Steve Turner in the left corner with a crafty behind the back pass. With the try unconverted, the score became 4-2 in favour of the Storm. Lockyer's kicking game was as it has been in the past few months, accurate and deceptive, and a spiralling bomb aimed at Steve Turner could not be defused. The knock-on led to the skipper setting up Justin Hodges for the Broncos' first try of the match. The Broncos went into the dressing sheds at half-time leading 8-4. The Storm oped the second half scoring with Matt King crossing over relatively uncontested from 10 metres out to level the scores. The Storm again were unable to convert; a factor which ultimately led to their dimise. The Broncos score what was to be the final try of the match through an incredicble passage of play which led to Brent Tate crossing the line. The Storm could have elevated themselves back into the contest after a controversial no-try decision prevented Matt King from claiming his second try. A trademark Lockyer field goal clinched the match for the 2006 Premiers. For the victors, the spoils, for the losers, one more year of preperation to make an other title charge.
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