The Wentworthville Magpies Canterbury Cup side have come away with a spirited 20-12 victory over the second placed Panthers side at Ringrose Park on Sunday 26 May in Round 11 of their competition.
Bevan French starred in the clash with one try along with three crucial goals that proved the difference, whilst tries to Ethan Parry and Greg Leleisiuao capped off the Magpies fifth victory of the season.
The Magpies put the first points on the board in just the third mind of the clash, when Jaeman Salmon broke the line, drew the fullback and put French into space to score next to the posts for a converted try and an early six point lead.
Salmon had his hand in the second try of the match, when once again he broke the Panthers defence, put back rower Salesi Fainga’a through a whole who offloaded to Ethan Parry who crossed over for the second try of the match.
French converting to give the home side a 12-0 lead after fourteen minutes.
An opportunity to winger Leleisiuao went begging when a dropped ball let the Panthers off the hook and a big defensive effort from Parry plays later ensured the Panthers didn’t strike back down the other end.
The away side eventually found a breakthrough, when Brayden McGrady made a break down the right hand touchline for the Panthers first try of the game.
A penalty goal to French looked to have given the the Magpies a 14-4 lead at half time but Panthers five-eighth Adam Fearnley crossed for a try just minutes from half time after strong charges through the middle of the field from the Panthers forwards.
The start of the second half brought about some scrappy play, with incomplete sets and penalties from both sides.
The Magpies had a penalty in the 65th minute of the clash, with Brad Keighran adding two points to the home side score after French was tackled late following a kick.
The Panthers crossed for their third in the 67th minute, but with another missed conversion, the Magpies held a 16-12 lead heading into the final stanza and the away side with plenty of energy.
The Panthers were desperate in attack but it was the Magpies who refused to go into their shells, crossing for a try with just two minutes on the clock, through Leleisiuao.
The winger charging in field and showing some light footwork to slice through some tiring Panthers defence for an unconverted try.
With three tries a piece, the boot of French and Keighran proving vital as the Magpies secured a gallant 20-12 victory.
Wentworthville Magpies 20 (Tries: Bevan French, Ethan Parry, Greg Leleisiauo; goals: French (3), Keighran (1))
Defeated
Penrith Panthers 12 (Tries: Brayden McGrady, Adam Fearnley, Liam Martin)
The now seventh placed Magpies will face the eighth placed Rabbitohs on Sunday 2 June at Ringrose Park in Round 12 of the competition.
