ROOSTERS LEAD 16-6 AT HALF-TIME
By Wayne Cousins
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens rested the likes of Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah and Todd Payten at the start of the game.
The team that took the field (in no positional order) included Brett Hodgson, Peni Tagive, Beau Ryan, Dene Halatau, Nick Younquest, Liam Fulton, Tim Moltzen, Rocky Trimarchi, Corey Payne, Tevita Metuisela, Stuart Flanagan, Luke Harlen and Dean Rysko.
The Roosters dominated possession in the opening 10 minutes but the Wests Tigers defence held strong close to their line.
Hooker Stuart Flanagan looked set to score in the 13th minute but had the ball raked out just short of the line. The next set of six saw Fulton, playing at five-eighth, put a grubber kick through with the Roosters taking the ball dead to give Wests Tigers a repeat set.
On the back of several consecutive penalties, the Roosters opened the scoring with a try to winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall in the 16th minute after quick hands by Anthony Tupou and Braith Anasta.
Winger Amos Roberts converted from the sideline for a 6-0 lead.
Wests Tigers hit back in the 29th minute when a grubber kick by half-back Tim Moltzen bounced off the right goalpad for Fulton to dive over. Brett Hodgson converted for a 6-6 scoreline with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
The Roosters then scored three minutes from half-time when Kenny-Dowall crossed for his second. The final pass from centre Brent Grose had a hint of a forward pass but the try was awarded.
Roberts missed the goal to leave the Roosters leading 10-6.
Some quick hands and slick footwork saw the Wests Tigers make a big break up the middle before replacement full-back Blake Lazarus was hit hard in his first touch only to lose the ball.
The Roosters were quick to capitalize on the possession with Anthony Minichiello scoring a few plays later, just five seconds before the break.
Roberts converted for a 16-6 lead at half-time.
jks
