ROUND-UP
IT was a scoreline that was barely believable after Penrith’s onslaught in the opening 15 minutes, but Melbourne kept their title hopes alive with a stunning win over the reigning Premiers.
The Panthers should have scored on 14 minutes when Api Koroisau’s storming run laid the platform for Izack Tago to go so close to the line, but stern Melbourne defence kept him out.
Great hands down the Storm’s left saw Justin Olam streak away before the Papua New Guinean kicked inside beautifully for Nick Meaney to break the deadlock.
The fullback converted for a 6-0 lead before Brandon Smith carved Penrith up down the middle to double the lead just two minutes later.
Penrith and Brian To’o should have responded shortly after, but the winger was forced into touch by desperate Melbourne defence.
And the Storm duly punished that missed opportunity with David Nofoaluma, who has joined Melbourne on loan from Wests Tigers, wrongfooting To’o on his way to the corner.
Though Meaney missed that conversion attempt, Melbourne led 16-0 and they almost had another when Olam once more sauntered through some weak tackling and kicked ahead for Cameron Munster.
The halfback failed to touch down though and, remarkably, that is how things stood when the final whistle went 40 minutes later.
THREE Warriors tries in the final six minutes was enough to overcome a Canterbury side that really didn’t deserve to end the game 24 points behind.