Dragons slay Knights, kill off Manly and promote NZRL all in one day
08/09/02

Written by: Alison Nolan

What a game! The Dragons were never going to let Newcastle Knights win this game, coming out on top 40-22

From the first whistle it was obvious the Dragons would accept nothing less than showing Newcastle and us all, that they deserve a spot in the Top 8.

From the NZ Warriors point of view, the scoreline could not have been better, and they look forward to facing Canberra in Auckland next Sunday.

Back to the game, a total of 12 tries scored in an action packed match. The never say die attitude shone through brilliantly from the Dragons players, and they were ahead at half time by 16-6, with Newcastle scoring a try right on the half time whistle.

If possible, the game stepped up a gear by both sides in an action packed half. Every time the Dragons scored a try, Newcastle hit straight back, coming to within 8 points, and seemingly the minor premiership.

But the Dragons had other ideas, and went full steam ahead, soaking up the Newcastle defence and sparkling on attack.

Andrew Johns and his team, though playing well, had to watch the scoreline as the minor premiership slipped away from them.

The win to the Dragons also saw the the demise of Manly who were relying on a Newcastle win after the Eagles' bubble burst at Brookvale today, going down 68-28 at the hands of the Penrith Panthers.

Saints are in the semis and will again face Newcastle next Saturday night at Energy Australia Stadium.

Play by play..

5th min: PENALTY - Clarke for Dragons, from 35 metres out in front. Dragons 2-0

7th min: TRY - Gasnier for Dragons, following a mistake by the Knights. Gasnier broke through the defence with ease, great individual try. Clarke misses the conversion. Dragons 6-0

25th min: TRY- Kativerata for Dragons. A penalty to bring the Dragons closer to their line, great support play and Kativerata gets across out wide. Riddell's kick is wide of the mark. Dragons 10-0

28th min: TRY - Riddell for Dragons. A fired up Dragons pack hits the line again with some great support, Riddell is there to follow through on Barrett's offload. Riddell converts. Dragons 16-0

40th min: TRY - Kennedy for Newcastle. Keeping the ball alive, Newcastle manage to twist around the Dragons defence. Johns converts. Dragons 16-6

HALF TIME: A fired up Dragons pack are getting the rewards they deserve by being up 16-6 at the break. 40 minutes to go, and if the score stays like this they're in the Top 8, and Newcastle will be 2nd behind the NZ Warriors. Farrar has alot to ponder on (pictured).

42nd min: TRY - Hornby for Dragons. A very committed start for the Dragons and it's paid off. Great little chip kick by Peters gets Hornby under the posts. Riddell gets the kick. Dragons 22-6

46th min: TRY - Tutt for Dragons. Great support by the Dragons players. Newcastle defence in tatters, and Tutt commits himself to the line. Riddell misses the kick, and tells himself off. Dragons 26-6. Go you beauties!!

49th min: TRY - Quinn for Knights. Newcastle hit back straight away with Tahu setting up Quinn to get around Clarke. Johns converts. Dragons 26-12

55th min: TRY - Smith for Dragons. Barrett runs into space drawing the defenders, and Smith is on the inside to cross the line. Riddell misses another. Dragons 30-12

58th min: TRY - Tahu for Newcastle. Once again the Knights hit straight back, with Tahu outside his man, and scores easily. Johns misses the kick. Dragons 30-16

61st min: TRY - Quinn for Knights. Too quick for the Dragons defence and Newcastle score again. Johns converts. Dragons 30-22

67th min: TRY - Millard for Dragons. Short line dropout by the Knights, and the Dragons get the ball. Millard, close to the line, ducks under the defence to score. Clarke, from out in front, converts. Dragons 36-22

79th min: TRY - Hornby for Dragons. Following penalty after penalty to the Knights, the Dragons get one of their own, and make the most of it. Bailey misses the conversion. Dragons 40-22

FULL TIME: Committed play by the Dragons, and NZ Warriors say a big thank you, they are the 2002 Minor Premieres

Stand out players on the day:

Ryles and Hornby for the Dragons, Rudder for the Knights
TV Man of the Match: Mark Gasnier

Dragons 40 - Knights 22

St George Dragons (Tries: Gasnier, Kativerata, Riddell, Hornby x2, Tutt, Smith, Millard. Goals: Clarke 2/3, Riddell 2/5, Bailey 0/1)

Newcastle Knights (Tries: Kennedy, Quinn x2, Tahu. Goals: Johns 3/4)

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