Storm blessed, pip Knights on bell

July 5, 2009

The Melbourne Storm were counting their lucky stars last night, as they faced a certain defeat at Olympic Park until some 77th minute magic got the homeside victory against a courageous Newcastle Knights side.

Despite backing up from Monday Night Football, the Knights looked hungry as they took the Storm head on and forced the home side to do plenty of tackling. The Storm to their credit neared 300 tackles, nearly 70 more than their opponents – but remained defensively sound and had the ability to steal the win in the final minutes, something that had coach Craig Bellamy delighted after the match.

Newcastle were without the services of Steve Simpson and Adam McDougall who both had a bout of the flu through the week and losing that kind of experience would hurt most sides, however the Knights continue to play a confident brand of football and even though they couldn’t manage the upset win, coach Brian Smith was delighted with the effort, backing up from a good win Monday and fighting all the way at an away venue had the coach pleased as they work towards the 2009 NRL finals.

The usual suspects were involved for Melbourne, the proven ability of Greg Inglis and Billy Slater getting points for the Storm – but it was young buck Will Chambers who scored the decisive try to win them the game. The problem for Melbourne now may lay with injuries, with half Brett Finch assisted from the field with a shoulder complaint and Cameron Smith also being struck down late in the game also with a shoulder problem.

The Storm could be working nicely towards peak form as they approach the semi’s. They haven’t been in top gear in 2009 and remain slightly off the radar, but their ability and composure in close matches has them placed nicely to make a run at the Premiership. Barring long term injuries, this side will certainly be in the mix come the business end of the season.



Written by NRL News · Filed Under NRL Results 

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